Monday 22nd February – Feast of Saint Peter’s Chair

Reflection: Matthew 16: 13-19

PROUD TO BE CATHOLICS!

Today’s feast, the Feast of Saint Peter’s Chair is one that should bring us great joy and a sense of pride as Catholics. It reminds us that we are members of the one Church established by Christ Himself and built on the foundation of the Apostles. While you may know several Church founders and see invitations for “Church anniversaries” in your locality; your own Church founder is Christ Himself and her anniversary is celebrated each year too. When? At the Feast of Pentecost!

In today’s reading, Christ promises to build his Church on Peter. The name “Peter” in Greek or “Cephas” in Aramaic means “rock”. While the Apostle’s original name was Simon, Jesus gave him this new name “Peter” on the very first day He saw him (John 1:42), symbolizing his role as the head of the Church. This leadership role is seen in Jesus actions on different occasions and in the early Church (Mark 16:7; John 21:15-17; Acts 2:14-42; Acts 10). This leadership role and the authority to bind and loose (Matthew 16: 18-19) has been passed down through the generations in an unbroken succession to the present pope, Pope Francis.

Dear friends, we are indeed privileged to be Catholics. But how much you and I enjoy this privilege depends on how much we avail ourselves of the opportunity to benefit from the great treasures the Church offers us. Take time to study your Bible, study the Church’s teachings, read good Catholic literature, attend Masses often and partake in the Sacraments wholeheartedly. Deepen your friendship with God and ask Him to make you a better Catholic Christian. You cannot KNOW the Catholic Church and LEAVE the Catholic Church. Know your faith and live your faith, only then can the privilege of being Catholic be truly rewarding.

PRAYER: Thank you Jesus for the privilege to belong to your one holy Church. Please help me to deepen my love for you and my knowledge and faith in your Church so that I may not miss out on the graces you offer me daily. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 141 – What is the Pope’s responsibility?

As successor of St. Peter and head of the college of bishops, the POPE is the source and guarantor of the CHURCH’S unity. He has the supreme pastoral authority and the final authority in doctrinal and disciplinary decisions.

HIDE A TREASURE: “You are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” Ephesians 2:20 RSV-CE

Readings for today: 1Peter 5: 1-4; Psalm 23: 1-6; Matthew 16: 13-19