To Bind and Loose

 THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT BINDING AND LOOSING IN THE BIBLE


Catholics Online Class 

_________________


Someone once asked me:

“Father, when Jesus said ‘whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven’ (Mt 16:19; 18:18), does it mean anyone, even lay people, can bind and loose? Or is it only for priests and bishops?”


Let’s unlock the meaning together.


✝️ 1. WHAT DOES “BIND” AND “LOOSE” MEAN?

In Jewish culture, “binding” and “loosing” were technical terms used by rabbis.


To bind meant to forbid something, to declare it unlawful.


To loose meant to permit something, to declare it lawful.


It was not magic language. It was about teaching with authority, interpreting God’s law and guiding the community of faith.


So when Jesus used these words, His Jewish audience understood: He was giving authority to lead, teach, and discipline in His Church.


✝️2. WHO FIRST RECEIVED THIS POWER?

In Matthew 16:19, Jesus speaks directly to Peter:

👉 “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.”

Peter alone is given the keys, the symbol of prime authority (see Isaiah 22:22). This is the foundation of the Papacy.


But in Matthew 18:18, Jesus extends the authority of binding and loosing to the apostles as a group. This is the foundation of the bishops in communion with Peter.


Therefore:


Peter received the unique role of the rock (the Pope).


The apostles received authority as shepherds (bishops and priests under them).


✝️ 3. CLERGY VS. LAITY -  WHO BINDS AND LOOSES?

Binding and loosing is an authority of governance and sacramental ministry, entrusted to the ordained leaders of the Church.


That is why:


Priests and bishops forgive sins in confession (loosing burdens of guilt).


The Church can impose or lift penances, disciplines, and even excommunications (binding and loosing for the good of souls).


The Magisterium interprets Scripture and Tradition, guiding what is permitted or forbidden.


Lay people cannot bind or loose in this official sense, because it is a power given through apostolic succession and Holy Orders.


✝️4. BUT THE LAITY ARE NOT LEFT OUT!

Does this mean lay faithful are powerless? Not at all!


When you pray for someone, you help “loose” them from the grip of sin and Satan.


When you forgive someone, you participate in Christ’s mercy.


When you resist sin in your life, you refuse the “binding” chains of evil.


In other words: priests and bishops bind and loose with authority; the laity bind and loose with faithful witness and love. Both are essential in God’s plan.


✝️ 5. THE BIGGER LESSON

Jesus gave His Church real authority, not chaos.


Not every Christian makes up their own “binding and loosing.”


The Church, through Peter and the apostles (today, the Pope and bishops), safeguards the truth.


The faithful, through prayer and holiness, live that truth in daily life.


So whenever you hear these words, remember:

👉 Clergy bind and loose with the keys of the Kingdom.

👉 Laity live and spread that freedom by their witness.


✝️ The deeper truth: Binding and loosing is not about power games or magical formulas. It is about Christ sharing His authority with His Church, so that heaven and earth are in harmony.


The promise is clear: Heaven backs the Church. When she forgives, Heaven forgives. When she teaches, Heaven confirms. When she disciplines, Heaven ratifies.


And together, clergy and laity, we live out this mystery, not in fear, but in joyful obedience to Christ.


God bless you

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