DIVINE WHISPER with Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE SIXTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME 

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration of the day: THE CHAIR OF ST PETER, APOSTLE

This feast brings to mind the mission of teacher and pastor conferred by Christ on Peter, and continued in an unbroken line down to the present Pope. We celebrate the unity of the Church, founded upon the Apostle, and renew our assent to the magisterium of the Roman Pontiff, extended both to truths which are solemnly defined "ex cathedra", and to all the acts of the ordinary magisterium. 

Table of the Word

RI.  1 Peter 5:1-4

Resp. Psalm: Psalm 23

Gospel: Mark 8:27-33

Theme: The Legacy of St. Peter and authority of love.

Reflection:

Beloved in Christ, good morning to you all with God's choicest blessing. Today,  as we are celebrating the solemn feast of the Chair of St. Peter I wish to bring to you a commenatry on this ancient Chair of charity, love and service.  

Reflecting on St. Peter's leadership and authority, highlights the importance of serving with love, compassion, and humility. He symbolizes rock of faith (cf. Matthew 16:16). This role serves as the foundation of the Church, encouraging steadfastness and loyalty. This chair also depicts shepherd's care which focused on St. Peter's role as a shepherd of God's flock (cf. John 21:15-17), emphasizing the importance of pastoral care and guidance.

The Feast of the Chair of St. Peter is a celebration of the authority given by Christ to St. Peter as the leader of His Church. The "chair" symbolizes not just a physical seat, but the authority and responsibility of leadership within the Christian community. This feast serves as a reminder of the unique role Peter played as the rock upon which Christ built His Church and the succession of that authority through the papacy.

In reflecting on this feast, we might consider the nature of true leadership in the Church. Peter was not perfect, yet Jesus entrusted him with great responsibility. His human failings—his denial of Christ, his impulsiveness—highlight that leadership in the Church is not about perfection, but about humility, repentance, and fidelity to the mission of Christ. The Chair of St. Peter, then, calls us to reflect on the call to serve others, to guide with love, and to remain steadfast in our faith, despite the challenges and imperfections we may face.

We are also reminded of the unity that the papacy symbolizes for the Church. In a world often divided, the papacy serves as a sign of the unity of Christ's followers, bringing them together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As we honor the Chair of St. Peter, let us pray for the Pope, that he may continue to lead the Church with wisdom, courage, and compassion, and for all those who are called to leadership in the Church to be faithful and humble in their service.

Peace be with you and + May the Lord bless His words in our hearts. Amen.

Let us pray

Grant, we pray, almighty God, that no tempests may disturb us, for you have set us fast on the rock of the Apostle Peter’s confession of faith. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

© The ARCHIVE  22022025