The Chair of Saint Peter the Apostle (Feast)
You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church. (Matthew 16:18)
Repotting a plant is a stressful but essential step in keeping it strong and healthy. You might have a small plant that seems happy but is bursting out of its pot. So you replant it into a larger pot so that the roots have room to grow. For a week or two, however, the poor plant doesnt look so good. It might wilt or look sickly in its new home. But after a little while, it takes off again. Roots begin spreading again. Stems shoot up. Leaves sprout and produce abundant flowers.
This is similar to what happens to Simon Peter in todays Gospel reading. Peter had grown to the point of acknowledging that Jesus was Israels Messiah. So Jesus could see he was ready to be replanted into a new environment. By giving him a new name and placing him in a new role, Jesus gave him the chance to grow even more. Peter was very likely shocked by this transition. It wasnt an easy shift, but it was worth it. Just think about all that Peter was able to accomplish once his roots in Christ were fully established.
Todays feast of the Chair of Peter celebrates his role as head of the Church. And its a great chance for you to reflect on how you are doing. Perhaps, like Peter, you are starting to burst from the confines of your little pot. Maybe you faltered when God moved you into a new responsibility. Yet looking back, you can see how Gods grace helped you grow and bear fruit.
Replanting might feel stressful at the time, but its an effective way to foster growth and fruitfulness—in plants and in people. Each time God replants you, he does it to help you grow and thrive. You might have faced the challenge of a new role in your family or a new season of life. Either way, you can trust him and embrace each new situation because you know he is taking care of you. As a careful gardener does for a plant, God will provide what you need to grow to your fullest potential.
Lord, thank you for the times you have replanted me so that I could grow.
1 Peter 5:1-4
Psalm 23:1-6
Daily Marriage Tip for February 22, 2018:
Did you resolve to pray more during Lent? End each evening by praying together, thanking God for your spouse and the blessings of the day.