The Feast of the
Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle
(I Peter 5:1-4; Matthew 16:13-19)
Today’s Feast of the Chair of St. Peter is meant to
emphasize the authority of the bishop of Rome.
Like St. Peter, popes today use this authority to shepherd all the
faithful in the Catholic Church. Just
last week Pope Francis made a decision that insures the well-being of some of
the Church’s most vulnerable members. He
laicized a former cardinal and archbishop for sexual abuse of minors. The action signals that no cleric – no matter
his status -- will be exempt from severe consequences if he is responsible for
an instance of this horrible crime.
Since yesterday we read the parallel passage in the
Gospel of Mark, we can compare it with today’s gospel in search of insights
into its meaning. In all probability Matthew
used Mark’s gospel for his basic storyline.
He added material which he took from other sources to support his
message. Mark has Peter saying that
Jesus is “the Christ.” Matthew has him
adding “the Son of God.” Although “Son
of God” does not likely mean here all that it means to post-Nicene Christians,
it still indicates intimacy with the Almighty.
For this reason it should not be a surprise that Matthew has Jesus
saying how Simon was able to identify Jesus through a special revelation from
the Father. Divine assistance, then, becomes
a hallmark of the Chair of Peter.
Matthew also adds the renaming of Simon as Peter with the explanation
that he is like a petrus or rock who serves as a firm basis for the
Church community. Finally, Matthew, but
not Mark, pictures Jesus promising Peter the keys to the Kingdom. These instruments, of course, are not
physical but spiritual. They represent
Peter’s authority not only to forgive sin but also to impose or remove spiritual
penalties. In this way Peter can constrain
people to do what is right.
Pope Francis is always asking people to pray for
him. Very likely he is sincere in this
appeal. With all his responsibilities, he
realizes the need for divine assistance.
We do pray for him every day at Mass. Today, however, our Mass becomes a special
prayer that he uses his great authority for the benefit of all.
