A ROCK
FOUNDATION
As we honor St. Peter, today, let us pray that, through
his intercession, "no tempests may disturb us, for You [God] have set us
fast on the rock of the Apostle Peter's confession of faith" (Collect). We
express our confidence and trust in the promise of Jesus Christ - the assurance
that His Church will perjure and that the Petrine Office will continue to serve
God's people. It will continue to be a blessing of the New Covenant.
"Accept with
favor, O Lord, we pray, the prayers and offerings of Your Church, that, with
Saint Peter as Her Shepherd, She may come to an eternal inheritance, for it is
through his teaching that She holds the faith in its integrity. Through Christ
our Lord" (Prayer over the Offerings).
Today, Pope Benedict
XVI occupies the Chair of Peter. Both St. Peter and Pope Benedict have been
given the authority, from Christ Jesus, to be shepherds who feed His flock.
Peter's Letter sets out principles that are not meant to be just for the Pope,
but for every one of us who has a role in the faith formation of another. It is
imperative that we serve, not because it is what we should do, but because we
do it willingly.
Most people, who are
called to a position of authority, accept their tasks willingly, even joyfully!
In time, though, difficulties, struggles, and opposition may arise. The
excitement and happiness can fade and one can become weak. Today's Responsorial
Psalm can help, "The Lord is my Shepherd... Even though I walk in the dark
valley... He refreshes my soul" (Ps 23:1a, 4, 3a). God's goodness and
kindness renew our strength, and help us to get up and lead by example, careful
not to "lord it over those assigned to" (1 Pt 5:3) us, all for the
mission that has been entrusted to our care.
The expectation of a
pope, clergy, teacher, parent, and those in public office, is to practice what
they preach. Wow! That is a challenge. United in faith and love, may we be
receptive to the graces given to us, making it possible to fulfill our responsibilities.
Let us pray together, in one voice, for the one who sits in the Chair of Peter,
today.