"... And when the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the unfading crown of glory." (1 Peter 5:4)
Reflections on the readings for the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter (February 22, 2022): 1 PT 5:1-4, PS 23:1-3,4,5,6; MT 16:13-19
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
As we read in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Jesus entrusted this authority to the Church through the ministry of the Apostles and in particular through the ministry of Peter...”
Like the other Apostles, St. Peter was a bishop, eventually of Rome. In time this became the center for the Church. However, Peter’s position was especially designated by Christ to have a greater authority than the others. This feast day refers to the Chair of St. Peter. There is, in fact, a particular chair in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican that according to tradition contains a relic of a chair Peter used. But that is not the focus of today. What matters is the mission that Jesus entrusted to Peter. We hear Peter’s answer to our Lord when He asked the disciples “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 6:15). He is the Christ, Peter says. He is the Son of God. Jesus then names a very imperfect mortal to be the head of His Church on earth. The New Testament tells us the many mistakes St. Peter makes. Still, this is the person our Lord called to fulfill this unique duty. And the teaching power of the Church, the Magisterium has remained with his successors, Vicars of Christ, over the centuries. As we read in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Jesus entrusted this authority to the Church through the ministry of the Apostles and in particular through the ministry of Peter, the only one to whom He specifically entrusted the keys of the Kingdom.”
Today’s Psalm is one of the best known and loved: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures He gives me repose; Beside restful waters He leads me; He refreshes my soul. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for You are at my side with Your rod and your staff that give me courage” (Psalm 23:1-4). These words speak beautifully of Almighty God’s loving care for His people. But they can also ask us to consider the power of the pope, in particular, and the bishops who have the responsibility of looking after God’s children as servant-leaders.
Suggested missionary action: Let us ask St. Peter to intercede for Pope Francis and all bishops, asking that they lead in wisdom and humility; and for the wellbeing of all members of the Church in body and spirit.
