Importance of the Key and the Kingdom of Heaven

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Second Week: Monday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 16:13-19*

*First Reading - 1 Pt 5:1-4*

*Feast of the Chair of St Peter*

*Importance of the Key and the Kingdom of Heaven*

*1) Key is an important instrument*

We know the importance of the Key. 

When something is locked, it can't be opened unless we have the proper key. 

This instrument plays a very important role in our life. 

Usually today *Key* is used in everything and most of our modern things do have a lock. So there is a greater need of the key in order to deal with these things

*2)*Key is like a treasure*

It is a treasure because, it can open the way/door to the treasure

It is a treasure, because, key is valuable thing in our lives. 

Key is the symbol richness. Because key is shows that there is some hidden treasure. 

*3) Key is also the Symbol of Responsibility*

If some one gets key means it is the Symbol of responsibility

Only those who are in responsible position will be able to get the Key 

The New Parish Priest takes the Charge of the Parish by receiving the Key of the Tabernacle

So key Shows that there is a greater responsibility involved in it*

*4) Peter Received the Key of the Kingdom of Heaven*

Jesus gave him the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven 

This first of is the symbol of responsibility

Secondly it also indicates the authority of Peter. Only those who are in authority will be able to handle to key 

Thirdly key is also refers to the Leadership of Peter. By giving keys Jesus proclaims that Peter is the Future leader of the Church 

*5) Key is the Symbol of Trust and confidence*

Only trustworthy people will get the Keys and they will be handle in the right way. 

If some one gives keys means we are trusted by them and they have confidence in me. 

So key plays a very important role in our lives 

*6) One can't misuse the keys in ones life*

Jesus condemns the misuse of the Keys. 

*Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.* Luke 11:52

One can't receive keys and keep quiet. He has the responsibility of doing great works 

*7) Like Peter we too are given Keys*

The key of Baptism, which open the door to Christian life and to all other sacraments 

The key of reconciliation, it opens our door of life to the mercy of God

The key of generosity, which opens God's salvation to us 

The key of simplicity, sincerity, humility, truthfulness, forgiveness, opens our life to Holiness

The key of Prayer open our very being to experience the divine power in us 

We have so many spiritual keys which make us great persons in the sight of God. 

*8) What do I do with the Keys*

Like those Lawyers who neither allowed others to enter nor they entered. Do I belong to this category?

Have I forgotten that I too am given so many spiritual keys to make my life fruitful and meaningful?

What are the ways through which I use the God given Keys in my life? 

*9) Key is small, but Lock is big*

Small key can open a big Lock and also the greater treasures 

Small key is very powerful and it can work wonders 

Do I consider the beauty of small key and big Lock?

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*