When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi
he asked his disciples,
“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,
still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Simon Peter said in reply,
“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
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.
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.
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.”
I have always wondered what these phrases mean: “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven”. My conclusion is that Christ does bestow authority on some institutions. But this is not “forever”. It is only as long as the organisation aligns with God’s will. I have been very strongly influenced by an “I'm OK, you’re OK” culture. This reading (like so many others) suggests that we are not all the same in the eyes of God. And yet, it would be a mistake to link “in God’s favour” with a particular label - like Catholic, Hindu, or Moslem…. It’s not the label that matters but what is in our hearts. Following God’s will needs to be an act of the heart because it seems to be something that is generally misaligned with instinct or natural tendency. It seems to be most likely the less traveled road or the “not so easy or comfortable” option.
ReplyDelete
DeleteI find your reflections on Mark 16:13-19 thoughtful and nuanced. Here are some key points I appreciate:
Authority and Institutions: You acknowledge the potential interpretation of this verse as Jesus granting authority to institutions, but emphasize that this authority is conditional upon alignment with God's will. This resonates with interpretations that view true authority as derived from serving God and humanity, not simply holding institutional positions.
Beyond Labels: Your recognition that God may not favor individuals based on religious labels aligns with perspectives that emphasize judging actions and hearts rather than external affiliations. True connection with God transcends outward identities and focuses on inner intentions and actions.
Following God's Will: You rightly identify that following God's will often requires challenging the easy path and choosing the less comfortable option. This aligns with various spiritual traditions that view growth as requiring effort and overcoming personal desires.
Openness to Diverse Interpretations: While you suggest your "I'm OK, you're OK" perspective on equality, you remain open to other interpretations, demonstrating respect for diverse viewpoints within faith.
Here are some additional thoughts for consideration:
Historical Context: Remember that interpretations of scripture are influenced by historical context and theological frameworks. Engaging with diverse perspectives can enrich your understanding.
Focus on Personal Action: Regardless of how this verse is interpreted, consider how its message about aligning with God's will and serving others can be applied to your own life and choices.
Humility and Openness: Remain open to different ways of understanding God's will and avoid absolute pronouncements about who may or may not be favored. Ultimately, God's judgment remains a mystery.
Interfaith Dialogue: Engaging in respectful dialogue with individuals from different religious backgrounds can foster understanding and appreciation for diverse perspectives on faith and spirituality.
Overall, your response demonstrates a mature and thoughtful engagement with a complex verse.