Catholic Diocese of Goaso, Goaso (2026)

22/08/2026

Shebna was "treasurer over the house" during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, according to the Hebrew Bible. Because of his pride, he was removed from office and replaced by Eliakim, son of Hilkiah, as recorded in the Book of Isaiah. In this reading, we see authority conferred on Eliakim to take charge of the palace. The key, the robe, and the sash are all symbols of authority—the power to open and close every door of the palace. By extension, he was given a leadership role over all the palace officials.

Dearest in Christ, the Gospel describes a similar conferral of authority, where the keys to heaven were given to Peter, enabling him to bind and loose on earth. The authority God gives to His human instruments is sanctioned not only on earth but also in heaven. We must therefore understand and respect God's chosen leaders and agents on earth. As Christians, we are called to obey and respect civil authority, ecclesial authority, and school authority—for they hold the keys to our success. But respect is reciprocal: in turn, those in authority must serve as role models, uphold truth, and be true shepherds of God's flock. The authority to bind and loose, to open and close, is a sacred trust, and it must never be misused.
Beloved, before this unique role was given to Eliakim and to Peter, each of them had done something remarkable to merit it. For Peter, it was his bold declaration: "You are the Son of the living God."

In the Gospel, Jesus asks His apostles, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" Why did He ask this question? Was there anyone who truly understood Him? Was there anyone who recognized Him for who He really was? If not, then His mission would have been in vain.

The region of Caesarea Philippi is significant. It was home to about fourteen ancient temples devoted to Syrian Baal worship, and was said to be the birthplace of Pan, the Syrian god of nature. A great marble temple dedicated to Caesar also stood there. It was Herod's son Philip who beautified the city, renaming it "Caesarea Philippi" after Caesar and himself.

Why, then, did Jesus choose to ask this question in this foreign, idol-filled land, rather than in Jerusalem, Samaria, or Galilee? He wanted to know whether His disciples truly knew who He was. He wanted them to proclaim publicly—even in a land full of idols and false gods—that He was truly the Son of God, the Messiah.

Dearest in Christ, Jesus is asking each of us who He is. How well do you know Him? Amid all that is happening in this world—pandemics, false prophets, idol worship, get-rich-quick schemes, open immorality, and the politics of insult—can you honestly say you know Christ personally, from experience?

Some may say He is their Lord, Teacher, Friend, Judge, Advocate, King, Savior, Redeemer, Intercessor, or Great Healer. What about you? Is your knowledge of Him limited to what others say, or have you had a personal encounter and testimony of your own? Remember, there is a difference between knowing *about* Christ and truly *knowing* Christ.

Furthermore, Christ also invites us to ask this question of ourselves mostly as leaders who hold the keys of authority: How do others see me? Am I quick-tempered? Am I overly talkative? Am I unfaithful, immoral, given to drink or smoking, a gossiper, moody—or am I honest and truthful in my dealings with others?
We hold the keys and the authority to open and close the doors of our own destiny—but this can only be accomplished when we truly recognize who Christ is to us. Amen.