Matthew 16,13-20.
This is the highpoint of Matthew’s gospel so far. The scene takes place at Caesarea Philippi, situated on the extreme northern border of Galilee, at the foot of Mt. Hermon. Formerly named Banias/Panias after the god Pan, it was rebuilt and renamed Caesarea Philippi by Herod the Great in honour of Caesar the Roman emperor.
Matthew alters Marks question “Who do people say I am?” to “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” – a title used three times in this chapter (Vs.13,21,27) – a solemn title growing richer in meaning in each reference. Some thought Jesus may be John the Baptist come back to life, (14,2). Herod mentions the possibility). Others thought he may be Elijah, who was expected to return as forerunner of the Messiah. Matthew alone mentions Jeremiah, who in Jewish apocalyptic, was expected in messianic times ( 2 Mac 15,14).
To the question, “Who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replies on their behalf, as spokesman; “You are Christ, the Son of the living God.” The title Christ, also in MK and Lk, expresses that he is the Messiah, the anointed one, promised in the Old Testament to come to his people. Matthew, uniquely, adds the title “Son of the living God.” He is the transcendent Son of God. The adjective “living” implies that like God, the Son both has life in himself and gives life to others. The three titles combined here by Matthew alone: Son of Man, Christ, and Son of the living God ,reach the highpoint of his Christology – theology of Christ.
Only in Matthew do we find this solemn reply of Jesus to Peter’s profession of faith. Simon Bar Jonah, son of Jonah, is blessed because he has been chosen by God, whom Jesus calls ,“my Father,” for this special revelation of Jesus as Son of God. “Flesh or blood,” i.e. weak, mortal, flawed humans, could neither understand nor communicate this divine mystery without help from God.
The second part of the blessing will come from the Son who, on Peter, the Rock, will build his church. Rock is a solid foundation. Peter is like the house built on rock which will not fall ( Mt 7,24-25). He is a rock for the church as Abraham was a rock of faith for his people (Is 51,1-2). The gates of death/underworld will not prevail against it (Is. 28,16; 38,10).
The investiture of Peter with the keys of the kingdom (Is.22,22) is a sharing in the mission of the Kingdom, for which, Jesus up to now, has sole responsibility. Peter will have authority and responsibility to judge what is or is not of the kingdom, and who to admit to the believing community, and who to exclude. Binding and loosing have also the sense of forbidding or allowing something with regard to the law. Peter would have to take decisions about the Church’s life and practice that would have far-reaching consequences for others.
Who is Christ for you? How would you describe him to someone who asked you about Him?
Have you learned something new about Jesus in the past year, through your reading, prayer, meditation, or experience?
Pope Francis exercises the same authority as Peter in the Church today. Please pray for him that he may always be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
Fr Geoff O’Grady