Alberic Jacovone OSB
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YEAR A
TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY - 21.8.05
Is 22,19-23; Rom 11,33-36; Mt 16,13-20
Peter
& Christian unity
What
do we know about Peter.
Today, we hear a well known story about Peter. A story however, that has been a
source of controversy among Catholics, Orthodox & Protestants
for centuries. Besides what Matthew tells us today, there is a great deal
more about Peter in & out of the New Testament; and about this, we know very
little. Besides what the other 3 Gospel writers say about Peter, and besides the
‘First & Second letter of Peter’, there are several other ‘books’
about Peter. The Anchor Bible Dictionary of 1992 lists the following early
works, which we call ‘apocryphal’: Acts of Peter & Paul - Passion of
Peter & Paul - Acts of Peter & the 12 Apostles - Letter of Peter to
Philip - Act of Peter - Acts of Peter - Apocalypse of Peter - Gospel of Peter -
Martyrdom of Peter - Passion of Peter - Preaching of Peter (Kerygma Petrou).....
Sadly, today’s Gospel story is famous also because across the centuries, it
has created immense divisions among Catholics, Orthodox & Protestants. The
words of Peter, ‘You are the Christ, the son of the living God’ have been
called ‘The Petrine Confession’; & Jesus’ reply to Peter’s
“Confession” (it appears only here in Matthew) is one of the most contested
passages in the Bible, both as far as its authenticity is concerned (many
Protestants have claimed it was a fabrication made-up by Matthew) and as to its
meaning, which has been debated & controverted: what does ‘this rock’
refer to?: is it directed personally to Peter?, or to all the apostles in his
name? what is entitled by ‘whatsoever’? how is Peter’s ecclesiastical
authority to be exercised & transmitted? Who in case of disputes is the
final authority in the Church? what
is meant by ‘the gates of hell’?... & many other questions, which are
complicated by varying interpretations, competing denominational claims &
cultural mis-understandings.
Ecumenically, what would Peter like to say? While we all pray that Christians should be one, it’s a fact that Christianity has many cultures, sides, sects, groups, interpretations, mind-sets, schools of though, histories & world-views. It is indeed the will of God that each group calls every other group to attention & to a humble review; yes, each of us is invited to look again at our own position, in an attempt to include & understand that we are all part of God’s salvation. Today more that ever, Peter invites us all to include other people & other views, in case what makes sense to us, does not meet with other people sense of history & pride of culture. Peter is asking us to be ever prepared to learn from one another, to stay humble, to seek sincerely God & his righteousness, & allow mind-sets that are different from ours to keep the integrity of conviction & their own pride of culture. In the end, let each Christian be grateful to God to have been let in the wonderful deal of God’s salvation: we were all bought at a high price by Jesus our Lord. Today, multi-cultural Australia houses the variety of groups that make Christianity worldwide: we have Eastern & Western Churches, Orientals & Orthodox, Catholic & Protestants. Sadly, much damage has been caused by the century-old confrontations & disagreements, among commentators & historians. And in turn, this angry conflict has given rise to agnosticism, & to a huge number of un-churched people in the world. Of course, we are called to remain faithful to our traditions & to what we believe to be Gospel message. At the same time, we must never stop praying for Christian unity. “Lord Jesus Christ, at your last Supper, you prayed to the Father that all should be one: send you holy Spirit upon all who bear your name & seek to serve you. May we love one another in humility
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