1Pet 5,1-4/Psa 23,1-3a.3b-4.5. 6/Matt 16,13-19
Today is the Feast of the Chair of St Peter the Apostle.
The Church joyfully recalls Peter’s confession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the living God, and Jesus’ designation of Peter as the rock foundation for his Church (Gospel).
Having promised that the gates of Hades will not prevail against her because of her rock foundation, the Church prays “that no tempests may disturb us” (Open Prayer).
In response to his confession of faith in him, Jesus said: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven” (ibid).
Consequently, Peter’s faith and ability to access divine revelation qualified him for the keys of the kingdom of heaven with the authority to bind and to loose on earth for heaven (ibid).
Therefore, Peter’s leadership of the Apostolic Church is the result of his faith in the Lord and divine grace.
