Throughout history the question of who shall rule tribe, people or nation has been highly contested. It remains an issue today even in so-called democratic countries where people vote for their leaders and representatives.

Of course, winning elections – whether or not they are judged to be free and fair – is one thing; holding onto power in the face of opposition and possible violence another. So often we see military coups enforcing the abdication of elected leaders; we also hear of unquestionably rigged elections in various countries.

Commentators point to a worrying trend in today’s global politics that favours authoritarian regimes that deny freedom and human rights. If we are tempted to look back in nostalgia to past regimes, a word of caution is in order. Even the great Davidic kingdom of Israel, which reached its heights under King Solomon, soon fell into a state of constant change of rulers.

In this week’s first reading, Isaiah speaks on behalf of the Lord to dismiss Shebna from high office to replace him with Eliakim. Isaiah has high hopes for Eliakim’s rule – “he will be like a father to his people”. Yet, Eliakim soon lost popularity and was replaced in turn by his two brothers, Jehoiakim and Jehoahaz. It is all reminiscent of Australia’s time of high turnovers of prime ministers!

Then we come to the gospel where Jesus questions the disciples about his identity. The disciples cite rumours that Jesus is a reincarnated prophet, namely John the Baptist, Elijah or Jeremiah. It is Simon Peter who recognises Jesus’ true identity: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus responds by appointing Peter ‘the rock’ on which the church is to be built. As Eliakim was given keys of the house of David, so Peter is given keys to the kingdom of heaven!

By the time the gospels are being written – some thirty to seventy years after Jesus’ death and resurrection – it is clear to Christians that Jesus had officially commissioned Peter to be the leader of the church, and Peter effectively took on this role for some thirty years, prior to being martyred in Rome in 64 CE under Nero.

Some people like playing around with Jesus’ use of the word ‘rock’ to nominate Peter’s role in the infant church. Does it mean Jesus thought Peter was a bit thick in line with Marullus in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar: “You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things”? Clearly this is not Jesus’ reasoning, as he will have been quite aware that the Psalms praise God as my ‘rock’, ‘fortress’, ‘shield’ and ‘my place of safety’ (Ps. 18:2).

Despite Peter’s weaknesses – denying Christ three times and running away from Jesus’ crucifixion – God gave him the grace to be dependable, committed and a support for others with their different gifts. Peter’s rule was not one of craving or hanging onto power, but the rule of one who eventually learnt from his master that to rule is to serve.

Gerard Hall SM

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