Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis
with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk
Twenty First Sunday of the Year, A – August 23, 2020
Readings: Isaiah 22:19-23; Responsorial Psalm Ps 137:1-3,6,8;
Rom 11:33-36 & Gospel Matthew 16:18.
Theme: Divine Endorsement!
Sunday Synopsis
The first reading tells how God removed Shebna as Master of the Palace and appointed Eliakim son of Hilkiah by presenting him with a key as a symbol of authority to unite the inhabitants of both Jerusalem and Judah. In the second reading, St. Paul reveals that the depths of God are rich and his wisdom and knowledge deep. The gospel reading discloses how Christ founded the Catholic Church by giving St. Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, you are invited to be part of the true Church, enjoy the power of forgiveness, respect the Church’s authority, develop a positive perception of God, build a personal and ecclesial faith and pray for your priests.
Introduction
Friends in Christ, today we are exposed to the apostolic foundations of the Church and its divine endorsement. Perhaps many Catholics do not know who they are, what they represent or where they come from in terms of committed-membership in or to the Church. Our liturgy clears the doubts of everyone about the Church’s divine beginnings and Christ’s abiding presence in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church he established.
Background and Summary of the Readings
In the first reading (Isaiah 22:19-23), the Lord uproots Shebna, the Master of the Palace and appoints Eliakim son of Hilkiah by giving him authority to be a father to the inhabitants of both Jerusalem and the House of Judah. To authenticate this appointment, the Lord gave Eliakim the key of the House of David while stressing that should he open, no one should close; should he close, no one should open.
The second reading (Rom 11:33-36) reveals that the depths of God are rich. It also states that his wisdom and knowledge are deep even as his motives and methods are impenetrable. Therein St. Paul asserts that no one knows the mind of God as he does not consult anyone. While stating that no one has ever given him anything, the Apostle surmises that all that exists come from him; is by him and for him.
The gospel (Matthew 16:18) takes us back in history to when Christ founded the Church by presenting St. Peter with the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Therein, Jesus assured of his divine presence in the Church. It would be recalled that the formal date for the beginning of what we know and have today as the Catholic Church is on Pentecost Sunday (33 AD).
Four Marks of the Church
1. The Church is One: The Church is one because its founder is one (Trinitarian Godhead). This oneness is expressed in liturgical form through common prayers and an expression of the unity of faith. The scriptures attests to this oneness: “There is one Body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4-6).
2. The Church is Holy: The Church is holy because the Lord who founded it is holy. This is why the bible says: “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15). He also left the Church with seven sacraments (baptism, Holy Eucharist, confirmation, confession, anointing of the sick, matrimony and Holy Orders) as means of attaining holiness.
