FEAST OF THE CHAIR OF SAINT PETER
First Reading - 1 Peter 5:1-4
Gospel - Matthew 16:13-19
The gospel cites an account of the confession of Peter. The enquiry of Jesus from his disciples about the opinion of others regarding himself (Who do people say the Son of Man is?) finds a list of answers and the same question when is directed to the disciples (Who do you say I am?) in view of a personal response, Peter represents all and answers, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." This response of Peter singles him out as the leader of the budding Church. Jesus promises to build his Church on him (rock). Peter as rock symbolizes that he becomes the first man to recognize Jesus for what he is, and therefore he becomes the first stone of the edifice of the Church or those who come to the fellowship with Jesus. However, Peter is also promised to become the steward who will unlock the doors of the kingdom that Jew and Gentile come in; to administer and guide the infant and growing Church.
In the first reading, we have an edifying account of leadership exercised by Peter. Peter, presenting himself as an elder or leader, instructs his fellow leaders to teach and guide the people in doctrine and discipline. However, he stresses the need of setting an example for the people by their life and words rather than dictating them, hence all may learn to follow the discipline and doctrine by seeing them. Peter further admonishes to carry out the responsibility faithfully realizing their vocation as elders or leaders in the Church desired by God. He also promises that in doing so, Jesus will reward them with eternal life in his glorious coming.
Dear friends, the feast of the Chair of St. Peter reminds us that leadership is to be always in the service of one another and not for dominion. Jesus entrusted Peter with the nascent Church for its care. Peter exercises his authority with tenderness and care as is portrayed in the first reading. He addresses his fellow leaders and counsels them to place their role as leaders in the service of others by setting examples from their lives and avoiding any ulterior motive under the guise of their power. This sets a beautiful example of what a kind of leadership one should carry out.
We are called to be leaders with the smell of the sheep as Pope Francis puts it. Many times, the leadership is mistaken for dominion and oppression which contradict the kind of leadership St. Peter proposes and Pope Francis enunciates. We are called to be leaders who are one with people and are able to guide and direct them with our lives and words.
We also have to realise that to be a leader is a vocation as desired by God. Therefore, our vocation is to be lived responsibly. We are accountable for the role we assume in guiding and leading people. We, at some point of time, do play the role of leadership like - the parents in family play the role of leadership, the teachers in the institute play the role of leadership, as religious and consecrated men and women we play the role of leadership by guiding people in spiritual life, as catechists people play the role of leadership etc. They all are different occasions and vocations to become leaders. We have to handle our role responsibly and faithfully.
Let's pray that the Church may have more and more leaders who are dedicated to the welfare and wellbeing of the humanity.
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