Commentary on the Gospel of

Paulson Veliyannoor, CMF - Claretian Publications Philippines

Power of the Keys

Jesus had just spoken about the lost sheep, and the need to win back a sinful sibling. Peter got the point—we must be generously merciful. But to what extent? So, he asks: How many times should I forgive? Seven times? After all, Peter held the keys! What good is a key if it cannot lock some people in and some people out? Power does not feel like power until it draws a limit and excludes. But Jesus dismisses the limits and leaves them open-ended: “seventy times seven” meaning, unlimited! What Peter forgot is that the key can also be used to open the shut doors to let people in and let people free! Jesus wants Peter to use the keys to leave his Church eternally open! Ask yourself: Am I holding anyone to ransom by the negative power of my keys?

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