Undertaking Our Duty. 8/23/26. Chima Offurum.

When we live with a sense of purpose, we see our lives and responsibilities differently. In this weekend’s Bible passages, even with eventual recognition, the contrasting experiences of Shebna and Eliakim in the first reading (Isaiah 22:19-23) remind us that positions, privileges, and opportunities are ultimately entrusted to us for a purpose. Shebna loses his position, while Eliakim is entrusted with “the key of the house of David” because authority carries the responsibility of faithful service. Similarly, in the Gospel (Matthew 16:13-20), Peter recognizes Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the living God,” and Jesus entrusts him with the keys of the Kingdom. These passages teach us that discovering our mission and faithfully fulfilling our responsibilities can bring recognition before God and others, even though we should never make recognition our reason for doing what is right.

Thinking about it, our deepest satisfaction should come from knowing that we have faithfully done with what was entrusted to us. In the second reading (Romans 11:33-36), Saint Paul professes his recognition of the unfathomable wisdom of God, from whom we have all things. The lesson from that passage, for me, points ultimately to the fact that purpose finds its meaning in God, not in applause, titles, or human acknowledgment. Anchoring that idea to what we read from the Psalmist (138:8), “The Lord will complete what he has done for me,” meaning that when we faithfully do our part, leaving the outcome to God, we can be sure that He will translate everything for our good (Romans 8:28).

My invitation to everyone this weekend is simple: seek what is right and do it because it is right. Whether anyone notices or rewards us should be secondary. Like Eliakim and Peter, we are each entrusted with certain “keys,” or responsibilities, relationships, gifts, opportunities, and missions through which we can serve God and humanity. When we faithfully use what has been entrusted to us, we fulfill something deeper than a duty: we live our purpose. And even when no visible recognition follows, there remains the quiet satisfaction of knowing that we have done what was ours to do and have left the rest in the hands of God, who, ultimately, rewards His servants (Luke 17:7-10).