Tuesday February 22/22 Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, Apostle

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A simple theme is settling into my heart today as I reflect on these readings: Hell shall not prevail. Today's Gospel tells the story of Peter's confession of faith. Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They repeat what the crowds are saying: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, one of the prophets...” Jesus then asks, “Whom do you say that I am?” Peter replies, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replies that Peter's words are the Father's revelation, not of human origin. Jesus then tells Peter (Petrus, meaning “Rock”) that “on this rock [i.e., on the office of Peter] I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld will not prevail against it.” Jesus gives Peter the keys to the Kingdom – to bind and loose on earth and heaven.

In the first reading (1Pet 5:1-4), Peter writes to his fellow presbyters (priests) and directs them to tend their flock, not for profit, not lording it over them, but leading by example so that when the “chief shepherd” Christ appears, they will “receive the unfading crown of glory.”

Psalm 23 – The Lord is My Shepherd – is David's classic hymn of complete trust in God's providential care and vindication as his Shepherd. God leads David to rest, revives his soul, gives him courage, keeps him from fear, provides for him, anoints his head with oil, sets a table for him in the sight of his foes, shows him goodness and kindness and has a place reserved for David in His house for evermore.

So much can be said about these readings today. However, my simple take-away is knowing that Hell shall not prevail over the body of Christ with the seat of Peter as its shepherding office. The Church is not about buildings or larger than life personalities. It is a communion whose members are called in different ways, “each according to the measure of Christ's gift” (Eph 4:7) to serve the entire body. Greater honour is given to its lesser parts (1Cor 12:23), and all of us “as living stones” (1Pet 2:5) are joined together in the Holy Spirit, with Christ Jesus as our Head. We look on the office of Peter with reverence because it was instituted by Jesus, with the guarantee that even in persecution, His Church – that is, His body of believing members – will never be destroyed. Hell shall not prevail.

Jesus my Good Shepherd, I believe in Your promises, and surrender my life to You today. Guide our Holy Father to tend Your flock in accordance with Your holy will. Keep Peter's confession of Your Lordship alive in his heart and in the words he speaks, for You alone are the Christ, the Son of the Living God, the world's hope and peace. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.

Link to Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022222.cfm

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