In this week's Old Testament reading, God speaks through the prophet Isaiah, "On that day I will summon my servant Eliakim; I will clothe him with your robe, and gird him with your sash, and give over to him your authority."

Shebna, the master of the palace is dismissed by none other than Yahweh. It seems that Shebna has displeased God by favoring Judah's making an alliance with Egypt (for protection against the Assyrians). While it might be a wise political and military move, it goes against the covenant that forbids foreign alliances. Therefore, he is being stripped here of the marks of his authority - his robe and sash but most of all, the keys that he wears around his neck. His position may be compared to that of a prime minister or chief of staff for King Hezekiah.

St. Paul, in his Letter to the Romans, says, "Oh the depths of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable are his ways!"

Probably taken from an early Christian hymn, this short excerpt proclaims the mystery and profundity of God's plan for his people as well as for each of us individually. Salvation comes when we are aligned with God's will, although at times we cannot fully understand God's plan as it unfolds before us.

In the Gospel from St. Matthew, "Jesus said to Peter in reply, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church ... .'"

At this point in his ministry, Jesus needs some feedback on whether his message is really taking root so he turns to his apostles for a response. In this informal polling they give him all the popular answers to the question: Who do the people say that I am? Some possible answers: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or another prophet. Peter gives the right one: "You are Christ, Son of the Living God." He is rewarded with Jesus' naming him the "Rock" upon which the church will withstand evil. Like Eliakim above Peter becomes the "majordomo" entrusted with the sign of his authority - the keys.

Father Marcel Pasciak is pastor of St. Patricia Parish in Hickory Hills.

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