February 22

CHAIR OF ST. PETER

St. Peter was the prince of the apostles and the first pope. Jesus said

to him, "You are rock, and on this rock I will build my church" (Matthew

16:18). After Jesus went back to heaven, St. Peter preached the Gospel.

He guided the small but growing Christian community. At first, Peter

labored in Jerusalem and in Antioch, two big cities of the east. Later,

he went to preach the Gospel in Rome, the capital of the world.

What chance did Peter have to perform his great task for the Lord? His

Master had been crucified but then had risen. Who would believe that?

The evils of pagan Rome would drown his voice no matter how dedicated he

may be. But the Holy Spirit was alive in Peter. He courageously took up

the ministry Jesus had left him. Never again would Peter deny his Lord.

Never again would Peter put his own personal well-being before the good of

the Church.

The feast of St. Peter's Chair of Rome reminds us that St. Peter started

the Christian community in that city. The special chair is a symbol of

the authority that was given to him by Jesus. Kings of old sat on thrones

and ruled. Peter's chair is a symbol of his authority from Jesus to rule

the Church.

St. Peter was martyred for the faith, but down through the ages there

has always been a bishop of Rome. He is the pope. The pope rules the

whole Church, as St. Peter did, in Jesus' name. We call the successor of

St. Peter the Holy Father.

We love and honor the pope. He takes the place of Jesus on earth. Let

us always pray for our Holy Father. We ask that God may give him

strength, light and comfort.