Posted on August 21, 2026 View all Gospel Reflection
“But who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:20)
The question before the disciples should always be before each of us as well. Who do we say that Jesus is? The disciples answered with what different people were saying. But St. Peter responded saying “‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” (Matthew 16:16) Jesus praises him by declaring that this insight is not from human wisdom, but from the grace of our heavenly Father.
Jesus then proceeds to say to Simon that “‘you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, … I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.’” (Matthew 16:18, 19)
The words of binding and loosing is very much tied to the Rabbinical term for “forbidding and permitting.” This was always seen as part of the role of the Pharisees. They saw that this authority was more than just knowledge of the Law, but derived from their divine authority. When Jesus gave this authority to Peter and the Apostles, he vested in them this authority that derives from his kingship.
This moment is also tied into setting Peter apart as the head of the Church. His role as the first Pope is given to him by Jesus Christ. As the scripture scholar Dr. Bergsma wrote: “This reflects the prophetic typology of Isaiah 22: ‘He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.’ The Church is the New Jerusalem (see Heb. 12:22-24).” The continuity of this authority was seen in the early church as St. Paul would consult in Council of Jerusalem regarding the uncircumcised and those who are not Israelites. They all fell silent at the end of the discussion when Peter spoke. After Peter’s words, they all listened while Paul and Barnabas described the signs and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them. This movement from controversy to joy highlights how they saw Peter’s words as decisive and how they would help to build up the Church as it expanded to those of Phoenicia, Samaria and beyond. (Acts 15:1-12)
Jesus entrusted his Church to St. Peter. He set his Church on that solid foundation of rock so that it would endure until the end of time. Jesus knew that as time progressed, there would always be a need of a shepherd and father. This role is in the person of the Pope and extended through him to the bishops and priests throughout the world. None of them act on their own, but rather they are called to act together in communion with the Church.
The Pope acts in a very real way as the royal steward, a position that is associated with the priesthood and second only to the king in authority. He is not the king, nor are the goods under his authority his property. Rather he is entrusted to care for them and account for them to the king. This role as “father” is seen throughout the Old Testament (Judges 17:10, 18:19, et al) and it is that connection with the pastoral care of people that we see the role of the priest in the Catholic Church.
Therefore, let us give thanks to Jesus Christ for the gift of his Servant, the Pope, who is guided by the Holy Spirit to shepherd the Church and lead us to the New Jerusalem. While our earthly shepherd is human, we trust that when he is guiding us in matters of faith and morals, we trust that our Advocate will ensure the protection of the Truth and help us see the path to salvation.
