Journeying to Grace

“I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 16:19). 

I can’t help but smile every time I hear this line from Matthew because it brings back a fond memory. Many years ago, my parents visited from out of state and came to see the church where I worked. As I unlocked the old beautiful wood doors with a key on my personal keyring, my father jokingly asked, “They gave you the keys to the kingdom?”

Of course, when Jesus says these words to Peter it is a very serious and extraordinary moment. In the lines just before this one, Peter receives a clearer idea of his role in the Lord’s mission. “And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church….” (Matt 16:18). With these keys to the kingdom, Peter, though very flawed but with a heart for the Lord, was called to great responsibility and a tremendous mission of love and faith. Despite our weaknesses and failings, we too are called to this mission; called to be His love to others and further the kingdom.

Peter is given the ‘keys’ of authority and leadership, and keeping with this helpful image of keys, we are given certain keys of spirit, unique graces to support us as we walk in, with, and for Christ. We know physical keys can lock and close, but more importantly for us, they are used to grant access. They open a way that had been closed; they unlock new possibilities of hope. Think of your keyring which, if it’s like mine, has multiple keys on it. No two are identical, not all of them are for the same place, some are used often, and others, though used rarely, are reliably there when we need them.

What unique keys of spirit do you carry with you to show the Love of God to others – hope, forgiveness, joy, friendship, kindness, selflessness, peace, compassion,…? When we use our keys of spirit out of faith and devotion to the Lord and His kingdom, we may open a way for someone searching for the healing Goodness of God. We may unlock a renewed journey of faith for ourselves. And we will be strengthened in faith and hope by sharing these special graces with one another.