Sunday, August 21, 2005
Dear Parishioners and Visitors,

Our readings on this twenty-first Sunday of the Year are symbolized by keys. The image of Jesus giving Peter the “Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven” is such a familiar image that just the symbol of two crossed keys has come to represent the office of Peter and his successors, the bishops of Rome.

Our first reading reminds us that the image of keys does not begin with Jesus’ words to St. Peter. Shebna is described as a self-serving chief steward of David’s palace. He is replaced by Eliakim to whom God entrusts the key of the House of David because Eliakim respected the rights of the people, especially the poor, rather than jeopardizing them as Shebna did.

And the image of keys does not end with Jesus’ words to Peter either. St. Zita is most often represented holding a ring of keys and a jug. St. Zita is a 13th century saint who was housekeeper for the wealthy Fratinelli family of Lucca. She entered their house as a servant girl when she was twelve years old. Within days of her arrival Zita knew that none of them liked her. They interpreted her piety as posturing, her submissiveness as stupidity, her diligence as a mean-spirited way to make them look like slackers. Zita was convinced to do everything well as a way to praise God. While her charity exasperated Signor Fratinelli, everyone came to love her so that she was placed in charge of the entire household and was governess to the Fratinelli children. So what do you think of pairing us, St. Peter and St. Zita with their keys?

I trust that the great storehouse of hospitality we have is a wonderful gift from God and God has given us keys too. Just one example...these keys were used well to surprise the folks who came to Mass on the feast of the Assumption with a special treat in the Social Room. God is so good to us…sharing out of our storehouse is truly praise.

Peace and all Good,
Fr. Richard Juzix, O.F.M., Pastor