The Papacy

In Matthew 16 we see perhaps the clearest exposition of the founding of the Papacy by Jesus. Jesus not only installs Peter to an office -- that of the papacy -- but does so with unique and specific words and images that, when read in light of the Old Testament, helps us unpack what Jesus' intention was on this occasion. After all, that should be our goal with this and any other passage of Scripture: What was Jesus' intention when he used the words and actions he did, so that we can better conform our intellect and wills to what he asks of us and to what he intended to accomplish in his ministry.