23 August 2020

I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David;
he shall open, and no one shall shut;
he shall shut, and no one shall open. .
From Isaiah 22: 19-23 (NRSV)

The First Reading on Sundays is chosen to complement the Gospel and today we can link what Isaiah writes about with Jesus’ giving Peter authority. It is traditional to imagine Peter at the gates of heaven, deciding who comes in and who stays out. Just as a monarch does not usually open the doors of their palace but entrusts someone to do this, so Jesus is entrusting this work to Peter. Jesus is not saying that heaven is absolutely exclusive – with only very good people being allowed in. If this were so, very few of us would get in. Peter was given the keys, not to lock people out but to open the door and welcome them in.

• • Knowing of Peter’s weaknesses, how might this make him a good gatekeeper?
  • How do we ensure the doors of our churches, homes and hearts are open and welcoming?

Reflect today on the idea of opening and closing doors – especially for those yearning for a welcome “home”.