Người ta nói Con Người là ai? Những ý kiến
bày tỏ về bản sắc của Chúa Jesus bị chia rẽ phân tâm. Một số người nghĩ
Chúa là John the Baptist đã sống lại từ cõi chết; những người
khác thì nghĩ Ngài là tiên tri Elijah, người tiên phong của Đấng Cứu thế,
hay là tiên tri Giê-rê-mia hay một trong những tiên tri. Tuy nhiên, Chúa Giêsu
muốn biết các môn đệ của Ngài nghĩ gì về Ngài khi Ngài hỏi họ: Còn các
con, các con bảo Thầy là ai? Ông Phêrô đã trả lời là Thầy là Chúa Kitô,
Con Thiên Chúa hằng sống. Việc công nhận này của Phêrô được Chúa chúc
lành vì Chính Chính Thiên Chúa cha trên trời cho biết và Chúa Giêsu
đã đặt tên cho ông có Nghĩa là đá và trên đá đó Phêrô được Chúa ban
cho quyền bính và khóa để cai trị vương quốc của ngài, Phêrô đã trở thành
quản gia của Vương quốc thiên đường trên trái đất, đó là người thường trực
công việc quản gia. Vì vậy, sự quản lý và lãnh đạo trong cộng đồng Kitô hữu
chúng ta được dựa trên lòng trung cuêa thanh Phêrô.
Trong bài đọc thứ Nhất,
Peter tỏ ra cho chúng ta biết rõ về những phẩm chất của một người lãnh
đạo. Là người từng theo Chúa từ ngay những ngày đầu, Thánh Phêrô thực sự
là một nhân chứng cho sự đau khổ của Jesus và thánh Phêrô cũng là nhân chứng
đáng chú ý vì chính mình ngài cũng đã phải chịu những sự đau khổ này.
Qua hình ảnh người chăn chiên của Chúa, với tư cách là người giám sát, và như
những người lớn tuổi kỳ lão nhất thường đề cập đến trong hình ảnh những nhà
lãnh đạo Israel. Thánh Phêrô cũng cảnh báo rằng một nhà lãnh đạo không phải
là một lãnh chúa có quyền hơn những người khác. Đức Giáo hoàng Phanxicô
thường nhắc đến điều này trong các chuyến mục vụ trong Giáo
hội. Trong ngày mừng lễ này, ngày lập toà thánh PHÊRÔ Xin Chúa,
ban cho chúng ta có được những ân sủng để biết nghe theo lời kêu gọi sống
đạo đức của các Giáo Hoàng,.
Feb 22/2019 Reflection Chair of Saint Peter, the Apostle
“Who do people say the Son of Man is?” The opinions expressed on
Jesus’ identity are much divided. Some suggested him as John the
Baptist risen from the dead; others Elijah, the fore-runner to the Messiah and
Jeremiah as one of the prophets. Yet Jesus wanted to know what his disciples
think about him when he asked them: “Who do you say I
am?” Peter answered “You are the
Christ, the Son of the Living God.” This double recognition by Peter became an occasion
for the ‘Beatitudes’ and ‘new’ name, given to Peter as the Heavenly Father had
revealed this truth to
him. In v.19, the
metaphors ‘rock’ and then ‘keys’ are referred. In the Old Testament, ‘to give
the keys’ means to bestow authority. In receiving ‘the keys of the kingdom’,
Peter became the steward of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth which is the
permanent character of the steward’s work. So stewardship and leadership in the
community is based on the kind of fidelity shown by Peter.
In the first reading, Peter spelt out the
qualities of a leader. Being with Jesus from the early days of his
ministry, Peter was truly a witness to Jesus’ suffering and Peter bore notable
witness to this in his own suffering. The image of the ‘shepherd of God’s
flock’, ‘as overseers’ and as ‘elders’ refer to that of the leaders of Israel.
Peter also cautioned that a leader is not to lord it over others. Pope Francis
has often reiterated this in our services in the Church. On this Feast
of the Chair of Peter, Lord, grant us the graces to know the call to leadership
as one of service.
Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle
“And
so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and
the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give
you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall
be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in
heaven.” Matthew 16:18–19
There are several foundational
truths taught to us by this passage above. One of those truths is that “the
gates of the netherworld” shall never prevail against the Church. That truth
gives us much reason to rejoice.
Think of the many human
institutions that have existed throughout the centuries. The most powerful
governments have come and gone. Various movements have come and gone. Countless
organizations have come and gone. But the Catholic Church still remains and
will remain until the end of time. That is one of the promises of our Lord that
we celebrate today.
The Church has not remained
simply because of good leadership all of these years. In fact, corruption and
serious internal conflict have been evident within the Church from the
beginning. Popes have lived immoral lives. Cardinals and bishops have lived as
princes. Some priests have gravely sinned. And many religious orders have
struggled with serious internal divisions. But the Church itself, this shining
Bride of Christ, this infallible institution still remains and will continue to
remain because Jesus guaranteed it.
With today’s modern media by
which every sin of every member of the Church is able to be instantly and
universally broadcast to the world, there can be a temptation to look down on
the Church. Scandal, division, controversy and the like can shake us to the
core, at times, and cause some to question their ongoing participation in the
Roman Catholic Church. But the truth is that every weakness within Her members
should actually be cause for us to renew and deepen our faith in the Church
itself. Jesus did not promise that every Church leader would be a saint, but He
did promise that “the gates of the netherworld” would not prevail against Her.
Reflect, today, upon your own
view of the Church today. If scandals and divisions have weakened your faith,
then turn your eyes to our Lord and to His holy and divine promise. The gates
of the netherworld shall not prevail against the Church. That is a fact
promised by our Lord Himself. Believe it and rejoice in that glorious truth.
My glorious Bridegroom, You
have instituted the Church upon the rock foundation of Peter’s faith. Peter and
all of his successors are Your precious gift to us all. Help me to see beyond
the sins of others, the scandals and divisions, and to see You, my Lord,
leading all people to salvation through Your bride, the Church. I renew my
faith, this day, in the gift of this One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic
Church. Jesus, I trust in You.
Feb 22- Feast of Chair of Peter Apostle
Opening Prayer: Lord God, you know all things. You knew the hearts of
those called to be your Son’s apostles. You know my heart and the path I will
take in life. Guide along the path that leads to life with you.
Encountering the Word of God
1. Simon the Fisherman: Simon was originally
from the town of Bethsaida and settled in the town of Capernaum on the Sea of
Galilee. He was a fisherman by trade. Together with his brother Andrew, Simon
manifested an interest in the preaching of John the Baptist and was among the
first to hear Jesus preach to the crowds. Simon did not hesitate to
allow Jesus to use his boat to preach. But when Jesus asks Simon to go out into
the deep waters for a catch, we see him hesitate somewhat. In the end, though,
Simon follows Jesus’ word. The resulting miraculous catch of fish leads Simon
to manifest his deep awareness of his sin and unworthiness to be in the
presence of the Lord Jesus. In response, Jesus encourages Simon to
“be not afraid” and to become a fisher of men! Simon recognized his human
limitations yet believed that Jesus would empower him for such a great mission. During
his short time with Jesus, Simon was enlightened by divine revelation and
confessed that Jesus, the carpenter from Nazareth, was the Christ, the Son of
the Living God! Because of this, Simon was given a new name, “Peter,” the Rock,
and would become the apostolic foundation of the Church of Jesus.
2. Peter the Shepherd: In the months that
passed after his confession, Peter still had to understand that Jesus, as the
Christ, would have to suffer humiliation and die for the sins of the people. At
first, Peter opposed this path. But he would learn over time that this was the
only path to salvation and that he himself would have to follow this same path. After
Jesus’ Resurrection, Peter was given a specific and important mission by the
Risen Christ. On the shore of Galilee, Peter was invited to renew and deepen
his love for Jesus and was given the task of caring for and nourishing the
flock of the Church. The first half of the Acts of the Apostles recounts
Peter’s early ministry. He led the Church and the other Apostles to appoint a
successor to Judas, he preached to the Jewish people gathered in Jerusalem for
Pentecost, he healed the sick, he raised the dead to life, he incorporated the
first Gentiles into the Church, he made decisions for the Church, he went to
Rome to care for the Church at the center of the Roman Empire, he wrote letters
on safeguarding the Christian faith, and he ultimately gave his life for Jesus.
3. Imitating Simon Peter: We can find so much
of ourselves in Simon Peter. Like Peter, we were searching for Christ. Like
Peter, we recognize our sinfulness before the Lord. Like Peter, we proclaim
Jesus as the Son of God, yet struggle with the path of suffering. Like Peter,
we believe, but often fail. For all its ups and downs, the life of Peter does
not end in tragedy, but in triumph. Simon Peter ultimately conquered because
his love for Jesus triumphed in his life! Let us allow the same love of Jesus
to triumph in our lives!
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you spent several years with Simon Peter and
guided him with your Spirit. You knew his strengths and weaknesses. You worked
with him and taught him how to shepherd your flock. You know me. Work with me
as you worked with Peter. Stay with me today.
Resolution: Take a moment to contemplate the
important milestones in your life. As you look back, what has brought you true
joy and lasting happiness? What has been a source of sorrow and pain? How has
God acted in your life? With this understanding, project how you will live the
months and years ahead and attain eternal life.
Feb 22- Chair of Peter
Opening Prayer: Lord God, you know all things. You knew the hearts of
those called to be your Son’s apostles. You know my heart and the path I will
take in life. Guide along the path that leads to life with you.
Encountering the Word of God
1. Simon the Fisherman: Simon was originally
from the town of Bethsaida and settled in the town of Capernaum on the Sea of
Galilee. He was a fisherman by trade. Together with his brother Andrew, Simon
manifested an interest in the preaching of John the Baptist and was among the
first to hear Jesus preach to the crowds. Simon did not hesitate to
allow Jesus to use his boat to preach. But when Jesus asks Simon to go out into
the deep waters for a catch, we see him hesitate somewhat. In the end, though,
Simon follows Jesus’ word. The resulting miraculous catch of fish leads Simon
to manifest his deep awareness of his sin and unworthiness to be in the
presence of the Lord Jesus. In response, Jesus encourages Simon to
“be not afraid” and to become a fisher of men! Simon recognized his human
limitations yet believed that Jesus would empower him for such a great mission. During
his short time with Jesus, Simon was enlightened by divine revelation and
confessed that Jesus, the carpenter from Nazareth, was the Christ, the Son of
the Living God! Because of this, Simon was given a new name, “Peter,” the Rock,
and would become the apostolic foundation of the Church of Jesus.
2. Peter the Shepherd: In the months that
passed after his confession, Peter still had to understand that Jesus, as the
Christ, would have to suffer humiliation and die for the sins of the people. At
first, Peter opposed this path. But he would learn over time that this was the
only path to salvation and that he himself would have to follow this same path. After
Jesus’ Resurrection, Peter was given a specific and important mission by the
Risen Christ. On the shore of Galilee, Peter was invited to renew and deepen
his love for Jesus and was given the task of caring for and nourishing the
flock of the Church. The first half of the Acts of the Apostles recounts
Peter’s early ministry. He led the Church and the other Apostles to appoint a
successor to Judas, he preached to the Jewish people gathered in Jerusalem for
Pentecost, he healed the sick, he raised the dead to life, he incorporated the
first Gentiles into the Church, he made decisions for the Church, he went to
Rome to care for the Church at the center of the Roman Empire, he wrote letters
on safeguarding the Christian faith, and he ultimately gave his life for Jesus.
3. Imitating Simon Peter: We can find so much
of ourselves in Simon Peter. Like Peter, we were searching for Christ. Like
Peter, we recognize our sinfulness before the Lord. Like Peter, we proclaim
Jesus as the Son of God, yet struggle with the path of suffering. Like Peter,
we believe, but often fail. For all its ups and downs, the life of Peter does
not end in tragedy, but in triumph. Simon Peter ultimately conquered because
his love for Jesus triumphed in his life! Let us allow the same love of Jesus
to triumph in our lives!
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you spent several years with Simon Peter and
guided him with your Spirit. You knew his strengths and weaknesses. You worked
with him and taught him how to shepherd your flock. You know me. Work with me
as you worked with Peter. Stay with me today.
Feb 22- Chair of Peter
Opening Prayer: Lord, open my heart and my eyes so that I may see and
follow you. Help me to recognize your presence in my life and in the Church.
Encountering Christ:
Who Am I?: Christ asked the Apostles a simple question,
truly the most important question of every person’s life: “Who do people say
that I am?” As professed Catholics, we believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the
Son of the Living God. Acknowledging Christ’s identity also requires that we
acknowledge our true heritage as children of the Father. Everyone who believes
these words strives to live holy and heroic lives. We are blessed with many
examples throughout Church history—saints who lived and died for Christ.
Christ Is Stronger: What a promise Christ made here! What
hope we should have. knowing that hell cannot win against Christ’s Church!
Despite what may happen in the world around us, we set our eyes and our hearts
on heaven and recognize that no evil can overcome the destiny that Christ lays
before us. Christ tells us throughout the Gospels that we should not fear, so
we must heed his words: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in me you
may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have
overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Our Earthly Treasures: Christ makes a clear connection between our
earthly lives and our eternal ones. If we desperately cling to earthly things,
we bind ourselves to this world. Yet the opposite is also true. If we do
everything to honor God while here, then what would God withhold from us when
we reach heaven? Our eternal salvation is a great gift. It is a “pearl of great
value.” Are we like the merchant who “went and sold all that he had and bought”
the pearl? (Matthew 13:45-46). Or is there some aspect of our earthly life that
we cling to? Do we surrender our time? Our worries? Our talents? Each surrender
to God can be a way of letting him use our earthly lives for his eternal glory.
Conversing with Christ: Jesus, sometimes I can get so caught by life’s
circumstances that I forget why I am here. Help me to keep my eyes on you so
that joy, hope, and faith will always prevail in the depths of my heart despite
the tumultuousness of this earthly life. You are my king! I surrender myself to
you!
Resolution: Lord,
today by your grace I will offer up the best and the worst part of my day as a
sacrifice of praise.
22nd Feb 201 CHAIR OF SAINT PETER, THE APOSTLE
“Simon, Simon! Satan you must know has got his wish to sift you
all like wheat; but I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail,
and, once you have returned, you in your turn must strengthen your
brothers”.(Lk. 22:32).
Today’s
Entrance Antiphon, taken from this passage, has a spiritual relevance beyond
the context of the Last Supper. Space does not allow a full comment here, but a
few indications may guide the reader. Jesus speaks to Peter in a
more personal and intimate way, using his own name, Simon, not his “apostolic”
name, “Peter”. He then reminds him that God will be present whatever events
happen to draw good out of them.
Jesus
then makes a remarkable statement: he has prayed for Simon. This is the only
time that Jesus affirms that he prayed for an individual. We note that Jesus
does not pray that Simon will not deny him. The focus of Jesus’ prayer is Simon
himself. Moreover, Jesus is confident that his prayer will be answered: Simon
possesses strong qualities which will help him to get beyond this crisis and
assume a ministry of strengthening his brothers and sisters.
Lord Jesus pray for us, Your people that our faith may not fail;
may we always be able to strengthen our brothers and sisters.
The Church Shall Always Prevail
Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, February 22
“And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will
build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against
it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you
bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall
be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:18–19
There are several foundational truths taught to us by this passage
above. One of those truths is that “the gates of the netherworld” shall never
prevail against the Church. There is much to rejoice over by that fact.
Think of the many human institutions that have existed throughout
the centuries. The most powerful governments have come and gone. Various
movements have come and gone. Countless organizations have come and gone. But
the Catholic Church still remains and will remain until the end of time. That
is one of the promises of our Lord that we celebrate today.
The Church has not remained simply because of good leadership all
of these years. In fact, corruption and serious internal conflict have been
evident within the Church from the beginning. Popes have lived immoral lives.
Cardinals and bishops have lived as princes. Some priests have gravely sinned.
And many religious orders have struggled with serious internal divisions. But
the Church itself, this shining Bride of Christ, this infallible institution
still remains and will continue to remain because Jesus guaranteed it.
With today’s modern media by which every sin of every member of
the Church is able to be instantly and universally broadcast to the world,
there can be a temptation to look down on the Church. Scandal, division,
controversy and the like can shake us to the core, at times, and cause some to
question their ongoing participation in the Roman Catholic Church. But the
truth is that every weakness within Her members should actually be cause for us
to renew and deepen our faith in the Church itself. Jesus did not promise that
every Church leader would be a saint, but He did promise that “the gates of the
netherworld” would not prevail against Her.
Reflect, today, upon your own view of the Church today. If
scandals and divisions have weakened your faith, then turn your eyes to our
Lord and to His holy and divine promise. The gates of the netherworld shall not
prevail against the Church. That is a fact promised by our Lord Himself.
Believe it and rejoice in that glorious truth.
My glorious Bridegroom, You have instituted the Church upon the
rock foundation of Peter’s faith. Peter and all of his successors are Your
precious gift to us all. Help me to see beyond the sins of others, the scandals
and divisions, and to see You, my Lord, leading all people to salvation through
Your bride the Church. I renew my faith, this day, in the gift of this One,
Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Jesus, I trust in You.
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