The Chair Of St. Peter, The Apostle

The authority of St. Peter has divine origin.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, February 22nd, 2024
Texts: 1 Peter 5:1-4; Psalm 23:1-6; Matthew 16:13-19 

Today is the feast of the Chair of St. Peter, the Apostle. The feast celebrates the unity of the Church which the Chair of St. Peter signifies. St. Peter, in today’s first reading, establishes the basis for having confidence in him. He tells us three reasons for having confidence in him. First, he is an elder. Being an elder he speaks in wisdom, out of experience and love for the flock. Just as the elders want the good of their flock so also he does. Hence, he deserves our listening hear. 

He also reminds us that he witnessed the suffering of Christ. Christ’s suffering was for the flock. This means he knew the cost of the flock. Jesus bought the flock at the cost of His blood. Hence, he emphasises that he values them and will not joke with them. This teaches us to value our faith the saints handed down at the cost of their lives. Our faith is priceless. It also reminds us to appreciate the love of Christ for us; He shed His blood for our sake.

He is in good position to exhort us

Furthermore, St. Peter speaks of himself as partaker in the glory that await us. This means we share the same common goal and destiny. He has common interest with us. Hence, he is in good position to exhort us. We have good reason to be united with him and listen to him. It is sure that he will not lead us astray; following Him, we will reach our goal and fulfil our destiny.   

Today’s gospel affirms that the authority of St. Peter has divine origin. His profession, his faith, came through divine revelation. This is clear in the words of Christ: "Blessed are you, Simon Bar- Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.”  

I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven

Christ also assures us that Church founded on his profession, faith, will survive the power of hell. He puts it thus: “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.” Jesus Christ also gives him authority to bind and loose on earth. We read, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

Prayer 

Grant, we pray, almighty God, that no tempests may disturb us, for you have set us fast on the rock of the Apostle Peter’s confession of faith. Amen 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke