Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Table of the Word:
1st Reading = 1 Peter 5:1-4
Resp. = Psalm 23:1-6
Gospel = Matthew 16:13-19
Celebration of the day:
Feast of the Chair of St. Peter
This is a relic conserved in St. Peter's Basilica enclosed in a bronze casing, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The authority to supervise and to lead the Christian Church was given only by Jesus Christ to St. Peter, the apostle. His original name was Simon. Peter was the chosen disciple of Jesus and he was with Jesus on all the special occasions in the life of Jesus like Transfiguration of Christ, Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane etc. The Latin word for chair is Cathedra and is used only in respect of the chair of bishops and it is the symbol of the teaching authority of bishops. Therefore the church, in which the official chair of the bishop concerned is placed, is called Cathedral. Since he was the first Bishop of Rome and was nominated by Jesus Christ, Peter's chair acquired much importance. As the leader of the Church he chaired the first council of Jerusalem that made a historical decision that the Christians converted from gentiles need not be circumcised. His authority was respected by everyone in the church. When Jesus asked the apostles about what others talk about Him, Peter was the only apostle who said ''You are the son of the Living God''. Jesus immediately said that this was revealed to Peter by the Father in Heaven. Jesus also told him ''You are Peter (Cephas-a rock) and up on this rock I will build my Church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it'' Jesus also told him that He would give the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven to Peter'. Jesus also gave an authority to Peter that anything bound by him on earth would also be bound in heaven. This celebration is the celebration of the first bishop of Rome and first Pontiff of the church and his Episcopal authority granted by Jesus Himself.
Reflection for the day
Theme: Tend the flock
"Tend the flock of God that is your charge, not by constraint but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock." ( 1 Peter 5:2-3)
Today, we join the Universal Church to celebrate the "Church's Seat of Authority", which could rightly referred to as " the Petrine Seat." That is, the teaching authority of the Churxh handed down by Christ Himself to St. Peter. The celebration coupled with the readings of the day called to mind our duties as members of the body of Christ - the Church, our active roles in our various homes (the domestic Church), in the society, etc.
This therefore, prompted St. Peter who avers:
"Tend the flock of God that is your charge, not by constraint but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock." ( 1 Peter 5:2-3)
The exhortation posed a thought provoking question before us: To what extent have you been able to tend the flock entrusted to your care as a parents, teacher, minister of the word, leader etc.?The answer is personal, with God who knows it all.
It is obvious that, sometimes we failed in our ability to respond (irresponsibility) to the task given to us, due to our shortcomings.
But today, a quick reminder has been given to us to look beyond what we can see at the moment, and be fully aware that an account will be requested from us on how we tend our flock.
Finally, let us with humility take into consideration the beautiful words of the Holy Father, Pope Francis who called us to put on the image of a "shepherd", then be ready to "smell" like the sheep. If we hearken to this, we will serve in humility and love without disparity and domineering.
Peace! Be with you
Let us pray
Good Shepherd, we thank You for pasturing us day-in and day-out. Grant we pray the shepherd's spirit so that we may tend the flock entrusted to our care with love. We ask this, through Christ our Lord. Amen
© The ARCHIVE 22022022
Wow
ReplyDeleteThis has inspired me and I pray God to give me the grace to herkin to his words now and always.Amen.
ReplyDeleteAmen 🙏, may God give us the grace to follow him.
ReplyDelete