Word to the Wise
Thursday, February 22, 2018 - Feb. 22 - The Chair of St. Peter, Apostle
[1 Pet 5:1-4 and Matt 16:13-19]THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018. THE CHAIR OF ST.PETER THE APOSTLE [1 Peter 5:1-4 and Matthew 16:13-19] Tend the flock of God in your midst, overseeing not by constraint but willingly, as God would have it, not for shameful profit but eagerly. Do not lord it over those assigned to you, but be examples to the flock. [1 Peter] The feast of The Chair of St. Peter the Apostle is not about a piece of furniture but is designed as a way of expressing gratitude for the ministry of the one who occupies that chair and those who serve as bishops in our church. Make no mistake about it, the ministry of a bishop is not an easy one, and some have been great and holy men. Others have been tyrants and scoundrels. A glance at the scriptures assigned for the day gives us an idea of the office. The gospel scripture is the well-known (at least to us Catholics) designation of Peter the apostle as the "keeper of the keys to the kingdom of heaven." This is why we have referred to the pope as "the vicar of Christ on earth." It is an enormous spiritual power that has been manifested in earthly ways, both good and bad over the centuries. The recent occupants of the chair contrast sharply with their Renaissance predecessors! How the power of the papacy is to be exercised is to be found in our first scripture for today from 1 Peter! The triumphalism and splendor of a monarchical papal court has no place in this scripture. The ministry of Pope Francis has had a tremendous influence on the world at large because of his humble approach. Each pope (and bishop) brings his own personality and attitudes to his pastoral position. This list of popes since 1939 - Pius XII, John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul I, John Paul II, Benedict XVI and now Francis - all of whom I have experienced, is vivid evidence of the continuing evolution of leadership in our church. Today we pray for them and our diocesan bishops who lead us in faith, but lead us a humans entrusted with power and love. We hope both will be evident in their ministry. AMEN
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