This Gospel passage has been traditionally understood as a proof of Peter’s primacy over the apostolic Church, and therefore of the legitimacy of the Pope’s claim, as Peter’s successor, to be the head of the Church throughout all ages. True as this may be, there is also a deeper meaning in the event related in this Gospel.

The title which Peter gives to Jesus (v 16) is that he is the Messiah, the fulfillment of God’s revelation and promise, not someone less (v 14). The phrase "Son of the Living God" by itself does not assert Jesus’ divinity because it is used often in the Jewish Scriptures to describe angels (Gn 6:1-4; Job 1:6), judges (Ps 82:6-7), and the king (2 Sam 7:14; Ps 89:27-28). In itself, this phrase affirms no more than that Jesus’ messiahship is from God rather than from some other source. This need not disturb us, however, because the whole context of the Gospels and the rest of the Christian Scriptures amply confirm the truth of Jesus’ divinity.

Jesus continues his intensive instruction of his disciples by sharing his messiahship with them as soon as they recognize it. He shares with Peter the prerogatives of the messianic mission: he is the firm invulnerable rock (see Is 28:16), and is given the keys to David’s house (see Is 22:22; Rev 3:7). The extremes of "binding and loosing" express all possible power, which Jesus as Messiah would have, and which he shares with Peter and his Church.

This passage gives a detailed description of the investiture of a royal court official. The robe, the sash, and the keys are insignia of his office. The fullness of his power is symbolized by the key, which both opens and closes definitively — a phrase which foreshadows the power of binding and loosing proclaimed in the Gospel.

In this psalm, David thanks God for having raised him from lowly origins and shared his power with him as king over the people of Israel, God’s own people. Response: "Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands."

Paul here gives what must be the bottom line and last word of any prayer or petition which we make before the Lord: he is Lord, the transcendent One before whom we must bow. Our place is to give him glory, not to try to mold him after our own desires. Paul quotes extensively from the Jewish Scriptures in this brief acclamation of God’s greatness. See Ps 139:6,17,18; Is 40:13; and Job 41:3.

1. What do Jesus’ words about Peter and the Church mean to you in your personal spiritual life?

2. In the light of Romans, would "mystery" best be described as "the unknowable" of "the overwhelming"?