On earth as it is in Heaven

Mass Readings: February 22

First:	1 Peter 5:1-4
Resp:	Psalm 23:1-6
Gospel:	Matthew 16:13-19

Matthew 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

In this verse there is a tendency to think that Heaven will respond to the judgements of Peter and the apostles. But a better rendering, I believe, is that whatever they bind on earth should be that which is bound in Heaven. This is a command rather than a statement of eternal infallibility. Clearly in other scriptures Jesus warns that he will take away their lamp stand if they fail to be faithful. This is a call to act in the will of God, not a coronation. We must always be humble, meaning that we should know that what we have is a gift of God and not an entitlement.

Father, I give you thanks for the love, mercy and grace you have shown to me and my family. Help us, by your Holy Spirit, to always know that these are gifts from you and not our birthright, and then help us to share that love, mercy and grace with others who are no less deserving then we.

Amen

Mass Readings: February 21, 2008

First: Jeremiah 17:5-10

Resp: Psalm 1:1-4,6

Gospel: Luke 16:19-31

Luke 16:31 But Abraham said, 'If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone were to rise from death.'

We tend to want to pick and choose our religion based on what we want to hear. Our own indulgence in the flesh prevents us from truly accepting the Word of God. We are called to hear the full council of God. This means that we are called to hear that we are sinners and that we are accountable to God for what we do while in the flesh.

Father, help me to see clearly my sin, which is ever before me. Help me, by your Holy Spirit, to see what you would have me be and give me the courage to follow.

Yes, I believe, help my unbelief.

Amen