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What's Happening This Week
Scripture
An Introduction to the Sunday Scripture Readings - August 23, 2026
“Upon This Rock I Will Build My Church”
Our readings for this Sunday teach us the foundation of the office of Pope (Papa / Father) and its ancient Jewish roots. The office of Pope, granted to Peter, is a direct commission by Jesus. However, it also has its roots in the Jewish royal office of ‘al Bayit” or “father over the house”.
Our first reading (Isaiah 20:19-23)is the account of the replacing of Shebna as master of the palace (of the kingdom of Judah) with Eliakim. In this passage, we hear virtually the same duties and authorities that are given to Simon Peter by Jesus. His is the father to the people, he has authority over them, he is second only to the king, has the “key of the House of David”, and has the power to open and to close—bind and loose. Even the vestments of robe, sash, and keys remain today with our Pope.
In our Epistle reading (Romans 11:33-36), St. Paul concludes his long lament that he is heartbroken at the rejection of Jesus by his brethren but sees it as God’s pathway to including the Gentiles in his salvation plan. Paul celebrates the wisdom of God’s plan of salvation and can only marvel at the "inscrutable judgements" of the Lord. The wisdom of God’s plan for salvation is so far beyond our understanding, we can only marvel at its invitation to faith. Glory to God!
In our Gospel reading (Matthew 16:13—20), Jesus went to the region of Caesarea Philippi and asked His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?". Many are not lost to the irony that Jesus went to Caesarea Philippi, a prominent monument to King Caesar, to ask this question. Their responses indicated that the people understood that Jesus was no ordinary man, at least on a level with the prophets of old. Peter's response was that Jesus was not only the Messiah, the Anointed One, but He is the “Son of the living God”. Jesus appointed Peter to the office of prime minister of His Church on earth and gave him the “keys to the kingdom of heaven”, with the same powers and authority granted to the ancient ‘al Bayit’ or ‘Father Over the House’ of the kingdom of Judah.
Imagine what would have happened to Christianity if the office granted to Peter had ended when he died and there was no succession, no continuance of the role of Jesus’ designated representative on earth.
bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082326.cfm