OBSERVATIONS Aug 29

Faith in the God of Jesus Christ means faith in the God who still opens up, really and truly, a future behind the wall of death. Only if that happens is the future truly promised.

— Joseph Ratzinger (Benedict XVI)

from Faith and the Future

This was from “Daily Catholic Wisdom,” an email I get daily. Anything you can get to read by Pope Emeritus Benedict is worth reading.

Comments about the readings at Mass last Sunday (21^st Sunday in Ordinary Time):

The first reading, from Isaiah (  ), the Lord tells Isaiah to replace Shebna, master of the palace. In comments about this reading I have seen Shebna referred to as the Royal steward, kind of like a prime minister in some governments. In the King’s absence, he has the authority and responsibility of the just as if he were King. This was common in Jewish culture, and the Royal Steward was the leader of twelve advisers to the King. Shebna forgot that he was NOT royalty and had a tomb carved for him among tombs of royalty. This presumption led to his dismissal and replacement.

Two things of note in this passage; one is that there was a Royal Steward with the keys to the palace,  and what he closed stays closed, what he opened stays open. He was the King’s right-hand man. Secondly, there would be a replacement for him should he leave, even if God had to do it.

According to Dr Bergsma, Eliakim, son of Hilkaih, the replacement was probably a priest. The only mentions of Hilkiah elsewhere in scripture are related to priestly functions. Eliakim received the Key to the house of David from the Lord, just as did Peter in the Gospel reading. Peter is the Royal Steward to God’s Kingdom, a position that will always be filled.