Keys of The Kingdom

When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. Matthew 16:13-20

We have a clutch of keys for our new home and boxes and bins everywhere. Given the keys does not mean one has learn to inhabit it. It takes time and effort to settle in and make it one's own, one's home. Having the keys is just the beginning. Having the keys makes us responsible for so much and for so many. There is always too much to do, but seems like there is never enough time. Indwelling, belonging, settling in takes time. We will linger here until time enough has passed to walk through hallways in the dark and know it like our own skin.

Peter is told by Jesus that he will be given the keys of the kingdom. And yet we know that Peter has a rough time living into the roll of rock on which the church will be built. This moment of promise is followed by miraculous and difficult days, days of following, leading and falling. He will find his way, and embody the leadership and faith that was promised. But the keys are just a symbol, and it take times for all of us to live into our faith and our roles, our place in God's realm.

Today, I ask God to help me be patient with the challenges new keys present. May we revel in the blessings and gifts we have been given, as we grow into our new roles and callings. May God give us strength for today and courage for tomorrow.


The Collect
Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.