St. Mary's Catholic Church of Tomahawk, WI

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

We are in the twenty-first ordinary Sunday of year A. The first reading presents two individuals, Shebna and Eliakim, known to Isaiah as officials in the royal employ. The reading begins with the end of the sentencing of Shebna. His denunciation is justified by his actions and no justification is given for Eliakim’s promotion. This promotion has little to do with him but much to do with a future ‘good steward’, a future Davidic heir with authority to sit on the throne, having the key to the house of David.

The second reading in its hymnic form presents three Divine attributes: God’s riches, wisdom and knowledge. It emphasizes the fact that no one knows the mind of God, whose judgments and ways are inscrutable and unsearchable. Once we acknowledge this fact of God’s mighty power and wisdom, we will humbly submit to His will always.

The gospel presents the question of Jesus to His disciples about His identity. It confirms their confidence and leads to His controversial prediction of His passion. The question moves from a wide focus to a narrow one where Peter responds that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the Living God. Our Lord then expands Simon’s identity to Peter meaning Rock. He is given a foundational role and authority in teaching and governing the assembly of believers (ekklesia in Greek).

Fr. Aloysius Royan Anthony