Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, apostle
(I Peter 5:1-4; Matthew 16:13-19)
Today’s feast is meant to honor the papacy as well as St.
Peter. The Chair of Peter is the seat of
authority on which a pope sits. Since
the Church’s foundation, no fewer than 266 men have occupied that chair.
Jesus selects Simon because of the special revelation God
gives him about Jesus’ divine Sonship. He changes his name to Peter as a sign
of every pope’s role. They must be firm
in teaching and in calling the Church to unity. Popes should also have a deep relationship
with God so that they might discern His will as evidently Simon has done in the
gospel. Today’s first reading adds
several more qualifications. Popes must
be close to the people so that they may teach by example as well as doctrine. They should also carry out their
responsibilities not as professionals for pay but as those with a vocation
willing to work without profit.
Fortunately, we have had fine persons sitting on the Chair
of Peter in recent years. John Paul II
was almost incomparable for his energy, genius, and pastoral insight. Francis, despite his faux paus, has shown us
how to love deeply. The papacy is a
strenuous office, usually occupied by men who are past retirement age. We should pray for them as well as heed their
authority.
