FR. GERALD MUSA HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 18TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II (2)

FR. GERALD MUSA HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 18TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME CYCLE II

THEME: PETER THE LEADER

BY: FR GERALD M MUSA

HOMILY FOR THURSDAY AUGUST 4 2022

In the presence of other apostles, he said to Peter: “You are Peter, and on this rock, I shall build my Church” (Matthew 16:18). Jesus knew that without a strong, recognized, and universal leader, there will be chaos and every apostle would be tempted to establish an independent ministry or Church. Jesus could not have prayed for the unity of the Church without laying the basic foundation of unity, which lies in leadership and central authority. He said to Peter: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19).

The Gospel of Matthew describes Peter as the first apostle (Matthew 10:1). Thus, Peter was the primus inter pare (first among equals). He was the first pope and he handed the keys of authority through the years to his successors the Popes. Every Pope works in collaboration with Bishops and these are considered the Magisterium (the teaching authority of the Church). Jesus continues to nourish and sustain the church which is his body. The gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against the institution, that he established. If the Church was a human invention, it would have collapsed a long time ago, but it is surviving because it was divinely instituted. How steadfast are we in praying for the unity of the Church?

MATTHEW 16:13-20