Christ giving the keys to Peter - Peter Paul Rubens

Geoff Wheaton SJ leads us to reflect on this painting which is based on a passage from John 21 in which, after Jesus' resurrection, Jesus asks Peter if he loves him, and Peter replies 'Yes, you know that I love you.' It also relates to the scene in Matthew 16: 13-19 in which Jesus gives the keys to the kingdom of heaven.

We must unite ourselves with Peter... we are now disciples... we must do what Peter does.