Scripture readings: 1 Pet 5:1-4; Ps. 22:1-6; Mt. 16:13-19
Theme: Petrine ministry is God’s gift to us.
The feast of the Chair of St. Peter is celebrated from the ancient days. It commemorates the authority of St. Peter in the Church. It symbolizes the mystery of unity in the church. Jesus called disciples and chose twelve apostles. Among these twelve, Peter was set at the head of the college. We conclude that the supremacy of St. Peter in the Church was divine plan of God.
The Gospels unfolds the important role of St. Peter played in the ministry of Christ. He was first called. He was present at main events of Jesus’s life. He was present at the raising of Jairus’ daughter. He was present during the transfiguration and at the garden of Gethsemane. He was the first one to enter into the empty tomb.
In today’s Gospel, Peter being the spokesperson of the twelve made a confession that Jesus was Christ, the son of the living God. Mathew adds in Peter’s confession “son of the living God” to show a matter of revelation. It was revealed at the time of baptism (Mt. 3:7). Jesus himself made self-confession about it (Mt. 11:27). The heavenly voice made it known at the time of transfiguration (Mt. 17:14).
In the Gospel today, Jesus confirmed it by saying that it was revealed to Peter by God the Father. Jesus further responded to Peter with great delight. He gave him three important roles namely; the rock on which He would build the church, the holder of the keys and the one who binds and loses. It was unique to note that there was no ancient name called rock (Peter) in those days. Jesus made Peter as the foundation of the Church. He gave him the authority over the earth. With this authority, Peter spoke with courage in the temple after the resurrection and delivered his first sermon. Many believed in him and were baptized. St. Peter acknowledged his responsibility while addressing to the elders of the community. He displayed his spiritual powers of being the head of the church. He also mentioned that he was an eye witness of the suffering of Christ.
St. Peter became the special symbol of unity. From the beginning, the specialness, or primacy, of Peter has been recognized in the church. It was God’s will that St. Peter and his successor should govern the church. The appointment of St. Peter and his successor as the head of the apostles is God’s gift to the church by which God keeps us together.
Let us pray for our Pope who occupies the Sacred office of St. Peter. Pope is a sign of unity in the Catholic church. He guides us in right path as the shepherd guides his flock. May God fill him with grace that we may always remain faithful to our Lord who prayed for the unity among his followers.
Fr. Alex D’mello
