Universal Utterings®
for August 8, 2024

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08-08-2024 Matthew 16 V-1319 The Keys to Heaven Given to the Rock

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The Book of Matthew 16 v- 13 thru 19

13 When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. 18 And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

The origins of the Catholic Church, understood as the universal church, can be traced back to a pivotal moment recounted in this Gospel of Matthew. This passage is foundational for the Catholic tradition, as it is seen to establish the apostolic authority that underpins the Church's tradition’s, structure and mission.

In this passage, Jesus takes His disciples to the region of Caesarea Philippi and poses a critical question: "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" After receiving various answers, He directly asks the disciples, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter responds with profound conviction, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus acknowledges Peter's declaration as divinely revealed and then makes a significant pronouncement: "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of the Netherworld, (THE GATES OF HELL,) will not overcome it."

The name "Peter" means "rock," and Jesus' statement is interpreted by Catholics as the establishment of Peter as the foundational leader of the universal Church. Jesus continues, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." This conferral of the "keys of the kingdom" implies a transfer of divine authority, establishing Peter as the chief steward of the Church's mission on earth.

This moment is seen as the inception of the Catholic Church, with Peter recognized as the first Pope. The term "Catholic" itself means "universal," reflecting the Church's mission to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ to all people across the world. The authority given to Peter and his successors is understood to maintain the traditions, unity and doctrinal integrity of the Church, which continues to view itself as the continuation of this original apostolic community. Thus, the passage from Matthew 16:13-19 is not just historical but theological, grounding the Catholic Church's claim to apostolic succession and universal mission. She is the Foundational Church. Amen

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

Practice. Pray. Proclaim. ®
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20

08-08-2024 Matthew 16 V-1319

**The Keys to Heaven Given to the Rock**

In Caesarea Philippi’s ancient land,

A question from the Savior’s hand,

"Who do men say I, the Son of Man, am?"

The disciples gathered, unaware of His stand.

"Some say John the Baptist, returned from death,

Others claim Elijah, with fiery breath,

Jeremiah, or prophets of old,"

They spoke of legends, tales untold.

"But who do you say I am?" He asked,

His gaze on Peter, the moment tasked.

"You are the Christ, the living God’s Son,"

Peter declared, the truth had begun.

"Blessed are you, Simon, son of John,

For flesh and blood this revelation shunned,

But my Father in heaven, has made it known,

On this rock, my Church shall be grown."

"I give you the keys of heaven’s gate,

What you bind or loose, it shall create,

On earth and heaven, this power bestowed,

My Church through time, will ever be sowed."

The gates of Hades shall not prevail,

Against this rock, it will not fail,

Peter the Rock, the cornerstone,

Of the Universal Church, now fully grown.

From that moment in history’s span,

The foundation laid by God’s own plan,

A Church to reach the ends of earth,

Born from the truth of Peter’s worth.

Oh, Peter, blessed with keys in hand,

To lead the faithful of every land,

Apostolic journey, mission divine,

Through you, Christ’s light continues to shine. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

August 8, 2024 @ 05:38 AM EST

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