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February 22, 2018

Today’s Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, Apostle, emphasizes for all the primacy of the See of Peter in the Church.

In the first reading Peter in Rome, probably two years before his martyrdom, urges the leaders of the Church to be generous shepherds of their flock.

The Gospel reading is about the confession of Peter and the apostles that Christ was “the Messiah, the Son of the living God” and the promise of Christ to Peter that his Church would be founded on him.

Christ confirms Peter as head of the Church at his appearance to the disciples at the Sea of Galilee after his resurrection: “Feed my sheep.” The Church was founded on the faith and love of St. Peter and the apostles and continues on the faith and love of the Church leaders and members today.

Christ, the Good Shepherd, is the model for all leaders: leadership in the family, in whatever group, in the country and in the Church, is lived with a sense of service and love for those being led. Let us pray for our leaders.

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 34, Issue 2

<< Thursday, February 22, 2018 >>

Chair of St. Peter

1 Peter 5:1-4
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Psalm 23:1-6

Matthew 16:13-19
Similar Reflections

"ROCK"-ING CHAIR

"I for My part declare to you, you are 'Rock,' and on this rock I will build My Church." �Matthew 16:18

Jesus is the Carpenter (Mk 6:3). He probably built several chairs out of wood. Like any skilled carpenter, Jesus would have built His chairs to last. The chair would have a firm foundation to prevent toppling and give confidence to the one seated in the chair.

Jesus is also "Head of the Church" (Eph 1:22). As Founder and Head of the Church, Jesus built His Church upon Peter and his successors (Mt 16:18). The pope leads the Church because Jesus planned it that way.

Jesus, the Master Carpenter, has built another chair, the chair of St. Peter. This chair is built not from wood, but from the authority of the pope. It has a firm foundation and the one who sits on that chair will not topple because of the skill of Jesus, its Builder. In fact, even the powers of hell cannot prevail against the Church (Mt 16:18-19). This chair is built to last forever.

Someday, Jesus will be sitting in another chair, the Judgment Seat (see Mt 25:31). He will ask you to render an account of your life (Heb 4:13). When Jesus asks you how you respected and followed the authority of the one who sat in the chair of St. Peter, the chair He Himself built, how will you answer Him?

Prayer: Jesus, I've spent too much time reclining in an easy chair instead of serving You (1 Pt 4:2-3). I repent of any rebellion against Your authority and Your Church. I give You my love and my life.

Promise: "When the chief Shepherd appears you will win for yourselves the unfading crown of glory." —1 Pt 5:4

Praise: "The Holy Spirit descended upon all who were listening to Peter's message" (Acts 10:44).