Jeremiah 31:31-34 / Matthew 16:13-23
A hierarchy is a system in which members of an organization or society are ranked according to relative status or authority.
As such, no subordinate is higher than the superior, and no slave is greater than the master.
When the hierarchy is given due respect then there will be order and stability. But when it is not, then the result could be chaos and anarchy.
All the more, when it comes to God and us, then we must acknowledge who is the Creator and who is the creature.
In the 1st reading, we heard what the Lord God has to say to His people: They broke that covenant of mine, so I had to show them who was master.
Between God and His people, there is no question of who is master and who is the slave. The covenant that God made Israel was more than that of a master-slave order.
Israel became God's people. It became a relationship based on faithfulness, integrity and justice.
But God's people broke all that. Even the order of master-slave is broken. And the result is chaos and anarchy and distress for God's people.
Even Peter didn't quite understand that though he was commissioned to be the rock on which Jesus will build the Church, it is Jesus who is the Lord and it will be Jesus who will give the directions and make the decisions.
We are God's people. He loves us as His children. Our duty to pledge our obedience and faithfulness to Him. Then our lives would have order and stability.