Pastor's Letter 20230827 - 27 August 2023 - Supporting Patriarchs and Religious Leaders

[Father Michael]

August 27^th, 2023

21^st Sunday in Ordinary Time

“Who do you say that I am?”

A Message from Father ^†Michael

Today’s Theme:  “Supporting Patriarchs and Religious Leaders”

Reflections on Today’s Scripture

(Isaiah 22:19-23)  Authority is a precious, fragile gift from God.  It must be used purposefully and judiciously.  

The “keeper of the keys,” in ancient times was charged with only admitting those deemed worthy in to the inner sanctum.  The authority associated with those keys has been a symbol passed down through history.  Stewardship is a sacred trust.

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(Romans 11:33-36)  There comes a time, in the pursuit of divine knowledge, when the mind fails to grasp what only the heart can love and accept.  

^†Paul teaches that theology must always include mechanisms for growth, and the openness to change and develop one’s understanding of the infinite.  Revelation is a continuing process, within which, we must stop, admire and render praise to God..  

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(Matthew 16:13-20)  Authority wielded with service and respect acknowledges that one’s charges are sacred trusts.

Under the leadership of ^†Peter, and others, the first generation of believers survived the aftermath of Jesus death, and the subsequent persecution from Judaism and then, Rome.  This included internal turmoil of conflicting cultures, theologies, missions and pastoral policies.  ^†Peter’s burden of the keys and his responsibility of stewardship passes to all who lead others to Christ.  

The Essence of a Leader

Every one of us has “high” and “low” moments.  It’s important that our “lows” do not “get us down,” to the point that we do not draw encouragement from our “highs.”  While never forgetting our weaker side, we must strive to promote our strengths.  

The low moments of others, therefore, must not cause us to denigrate them.  We must always look to help them, and find their potential.  It may be human nature to voice criticisms, but when we are reluctant to give words of encouragement, we inhibit improvement!  In considering what people “are not,” we often overlook what they “are.”  It’s much better to appreciate what values a person possesses than brood over their inadequacies.  

The Church has always viewed ^†Peter as it’s first patriarch, owing to the quote in ^†Matthew’s Gospel about “the rock.” *  Nonetheless, it is telling that Jesus saw the need for management of His new Church, and ^†Peter figures prominently in many places throughout the New Testament.  From ancient traditions of “the keys,” we know that that inference gives him a special distinction in the line of leaders.  Despite his human failings, Jesus saw the value in the man, that proved to be stellar as he went on to provide guidance to the fledgling congregations of the first century.  His generosity, enthusiasm and leadership were counted as above reproach.  

People are cautioned to be aware of their weaknesses as they attempt to guide the development and actions of those they serve.  Airs of infallibility in governance have proven to be less than beneficial throughout history.  Contrary to public opinion, we must view the actions of our leaders to be of even more importance than their past.  Anyone can give “lip-service” to their intentions, but only what they do can truly bear out their worth.  

Those who administer the affairs and teaching of the Church today, have succeeded from a long line of forebears, dating back to ^†Peter.  According to Scripture, Christ founded a visible Church, that would never go out of existence; and had authority to teach and discipline believers (Matthew 16; 18.)  ^†Paul teaches that this Church is the “pillar and foundation of truth” (1 Timothy 3,) and was built on the foundation of the apostles (Ephesians 2.)  Further, he tells us the Church would have a hierarchy, composed of deacons, presbyters and bishops (1 Timothy 2;3;5.)

Bishops were tasked to appoint priests, on the island of Crete (Titus 1.)  Ignatius of Antioch told his readers: “Follow the bishop, even as Jesus Christ does the Father…as you would the apostles; and reverence the deacons, as being the institution of God.  Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop” (110 A.D.)

Unlike the apostles, Christ’s Church would exist for all ages, so the apostles passed on to their authority to bind and loose doctrine; forgive sins; and speak on behalf of Christ and to worthy successors.  

We who are elevated to the office of bishop bear a special responsibility to ensure continuity of doctrine and morality is professed to the faithful.  In turn, we enjoy and are eternally grateful for the support of our congregations, who, in turn, are charged with ministry of the Gospel to all mankind, as living examples of the teachings of our Blessed Lord, Jesus.  With this sustenance, we are buoyed in our mission to provide over-arching guidance and pastoral care.  

May God Richly Bless You!

• Modern scholarship agrees that Jesus reference to “the rock,” in ^†Matthew’s Gospel, has multiple interpretations—the most obvious of which is to His apostle, ^†Simon's name (“Cephas,” Aramaic = “rock; “Petros,” Greek = rock.)  Founded upon the person and teachings of Jesus Christ, the Church has metaphorical, visible “cornerstones,” laid upon ^†Peter, the apostles, and their successors, throughout history.

Eternal Ruler.docx

To view a recording of today's Holy Mass, click here:

https://youtu.be/wmO8e8Tqi40

Edited August 27, 2023 by Father Michael