From today’s reading...
‘I will give you the keys of the kingdom of Heaven: whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’” Matthew 16:19
Whoever has the keys is in control. He’s the boss.
He may not be the owner with ultimate responsibility, but he has authority while he has the keys.
God knows this.
Jesus knows this.
The Holy Spirit knows this.
They know that people are fickle, ignorant, silly creatures.
We need a shepherd.
We need guidance and instruction and discipline.
Jesus put Peter, a.k.a., Cephas (Kēphas | Κηφᾶς | nom sg masc), a.k.a., The Rock, in charge.
If you have problems with that, you are a fickle, ignorant, silly creature.
Still, God, and Peter’s replacement, love you anyway and will be there for you with keys in hand to open the door and welcome you home once you realize allowing Peter and his replacements to loose your sins on earth is the only way to...
Stay the course.
Keep the faith.
Endure.
Now go sell something.