Both of the readings for Mass today have to do with a person that is given keys, and a position of authority to open and close, or bind and loose. The prophet Isaiah said that God gave Eliakim the key to the House of David. Then in the gospel reading today, Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven.
Do Not Follow Their Example
“Do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example.” When Jesus spoke these words to the crowds gathered before him in today’s gospel, he was referring to the Pharisees.
You Shall Love the Lord Your God With All Your Heart
Jesus tells us in the gospel today, that God is supposed to be the most important person in our life: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment.”