In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. 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).”

With these words, the Lord makes four bold statements. First, he declares that Peter, a poor fisherman, will preside over the group of apostles whose faith will soon spread all around the world. Second, Jesus promises that this fledgling church will eventually triumph over every agent of darkness — over every doubt, every demon, every division, and every assault on the Good News. Third, Jesus gives to Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven. In the sacred scriptures, keys symbolize authority and responsibility — the authority and responsibility to teach, preach, and act as good stewards of the community’s resources. In this way, Jesus endows Peter (and those who will follow him) with a mandate to shepherd his flock.

Finally, the Lord assures Peter that the decisions he makes will be binding and absolute. We know, however, that the Good Shepherd does not empower Peter and the apostles to bully and browbeat his little sheep. He expects them to lead by example. He expects them to lead with love, mercy, and kindness — all in service to others. In the words of Saint Francis of Assisi, Jesus expects Peter “to heal wounds, to bind what is broken, and to bring home those who are lost.” After all, it is in this passage that we find the scriptural foundation for the Sacrament of Penance & Reconciliation.

So, how are we to judge our church leaders? How are you to judge me, your pastor? How are you to judge our pastoral team? As is so often the case, Pope Francis shows us the way. In 2013, just weeks into his pontificate, the Holy Father said: “Be shepherds with the odor of sheep. Make it real. Be shepherds among your flock and fishers of men (3-28-13).” Over and over again since then, the pope warns priests, bishops, and lay ministers against intellectualizing the faith and against preaching over the heads of God’s people.

Pope Francis instead encourages us to look into your eyes and speak to your hearts about how the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus can change your life and save your soul. He encourages us to speak plainly about the saints, both as good examples and as intercessors who can inspire us to do good and love our neighbors. He encourages us to live with you, laugh with you, cry with you, ever mindful of the sacred responsibility of celebrating the sacraments and carrying the keys of the kingdom with love and humility.

Last week, Luca Ray Sartu, a twenty-four year old man from Italy died from an infection that he contracted during a recent pilgrimage to Portugal. Luca was one of more than one million young adults who joined the Holy Father in Lisbon for World Youth Day. Luca and the pope did not meet, but when the pope learned of the young man’s death, he called his mother. In an interview with the Vatican News Service, Mrs. Sartu said: “He was moved with me. He cried with me. Above all, he was like a father. He comforted me as if he were my father. When you see the pope, please thank him for his exquisite kindness.” This, it seems to me, is the ultimate fulfillment of the Lord’s gospel promise to Peter — the power of exquisite kindness.

Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (8-27-23)
Bringing Home the Word (8-27-23)
The Kids Bulletin (8-27-23)

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