THE CHAIR OF SAINT PETER THE APOSTLE (FEAST)

The gates of the netherworld shall not prevail. 

What must have been going through Peter’s mind when Jesus told him that one day he would be in charge of the Church? He probably felt some pride and pleasure, similar to the way a student might feel when his teacher singles out his work on a test. He was probably also excited to have been assigned a leadership role among the apostles. It probably sounded more prestigious than his job as a fisherman!

What Peter couldn’t foresee were all the difficulties, conflicts, and mistakes he would have to deal with, before and after taking up his new role. Experiencing the shame of denying Jesus. Mourning Jesus’ death. Settling disagreements among the early church members. And suffering his own martyrdom.

Do you know what else he couldn’t foresee? That he would become the first leader of the world’s oldest and largest institution—the Church. Peter couldn’t have imagined that the most famous church in the world would be named after him or that his name would be known worldwide more than two thousand years after his death.

Of course, this feast is not a celebration of St. Peter’s life. What this feast does celebrate is God’s grace at work in Peter and his successors. It celebrates their role as teachers and guardians of the truths that Jesus handed on to Peter and the apostles. These are truths that Peter himself saw unfolding in real time during his life: the truths of salvation that flow from Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Over the centuries, the Church has had its share of scandals and corruption as well as its shining moments. But if you ever find yourself discouraged, remember Jesus’ words. Take comfort in knowing that when it comes to the Church, sin won’t have the last word; Jesus will. His grace—the same grace that sustained Peter and his successors—will continue to sustain the whole Church. It will always find a home in the hearts of the humble and the faithful.

“Holy Spirit, keep protecting your Church from the darkness both within and without.”

1 Peter 5:1-4
Psalm 23:1-6
Matthew 16:13-19