Shepherd of the Flock

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to seek the inspiration of the Spirit as we accept the mission to participate with Christ as servant-leaders of the flock.

Shepherds and Leaders

The reading from the First Letter of Peter instructs us to initiate Christ in tending the Flock of God.

* [5:1–4] In imitation of Christ, the chief shepherd, those entrusted with a pastoral office are to tend the flock by their care and example.

* [5:1] Presbyters: the officially appointed leaders and teachers of the Christian community (cf. 1 Tm 5:17–18; Ti 1:5–8; Jas 5:14).

* [5:4] See note on 1 Pt 2:25. (1 Peter, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 23 praises the Divine Shepherd.

* [Psalm 23] God’s loving care for the psalmist is portrayed under the figures of a shepherd for the flock (Ps 23:1–4) and a host’s generosity toward a guest (Ps 23:5–6). The imagery of both sections is drawn from traditions of the exodus (Is 40:11; 49:10; Jer 31:10). (Psalms, PSALM 23 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew presents Peter’s Declaration about Jesus.

* [16:13–20] The Marcan confession of Jesus as Messiah, made by Peter as spokesman for the other disciples (Mk 8:27–29; cf. also Lk 9:18–20), is modified significantly here. The confession is of Jesus both as Messiah and as Son of the living God (Mt 16:16). Jesus’ response, drawn principally from material peculiar to Matthew, attributes the confession to a divine revelation granted to Peter alone (Mt 16:17) and makes him the rock on which Jesus will build his church (Mt 16:18) and the disciple whose authority in the church on earth will be confirmed in heaven, i.e., by God (Mt 16:19). (Matthew, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB, n.d.)

Molly Mattingly comments that the Chair of St. Peter symbolizes the pope’s responsibility to hand down Christ’s teachings from generation to generation.

All this is present in his reminder to his fellow presbyters, when he teaches them to be examples to the flock. Do they remember they are peers? Do they remember what it means to lay down their lives for the sheep? Do they remember their identity as followers of the “chief Shepherd” is more fundamental than their leadership itself? It is a reminder of humility, and wariness of exercising power for their own sake.

In the Gospel reading from Matthew, Peter demonstrates how he follows Jesus. He knows Jesus is the Messiah and he’s not afraid to own it. For this faith, Jesus gives him a new name: Rock. Peter’s trust and courage is a solid foundation on which Jesus can build.

May all of us – ordained, religious, and lay – have Peter’s trust to follow our chief Shepherd, Peter’s courage in proclaiming Christ’s Gospel, and Peter’s humility in serving those assigned to us. (Mattingly, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD), an early church father, who comments on Peter's profession of faith in Jesus:

Peter did not say "you are a Christ" or "a son of God" but "the Christ, the Son of God." For there are many christs [meaning anointed ones] by grace, who have attained the rank of adoption [as sons], but [there is] only one who is by nature the Son of God. Thus, using the definite article, he said, the Christ, the Son of God. And in calling him Son of the living God, Peter indicates that Christ himself is life and that death has no authority over him. And even if the flesh, for a short while, was weak and died, nevertheless it rose again, since the Word, who indwelled it, could not be held under the bonds of death. (FRAGMENT 190) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 16:13-19 notes that on today’s feast of the Chair of St. Peter, we are reminded of all the ways that Jesus has given us the Church as a stronghold with a rock-solid foundation. Not only will Jesus himself be with his people, but he will always give them a faith-filled shepherd in the person of Peter and his successors. These shepherds will hand down the truth of the gospel: that Jesus has saved us from sin and death so that we can live with him forever.

Through the Church, we will find all the grace we need to combat the powers of darkness and to share the good news of the gospel. Today, let’s pray for all the shepherds who are called to lead the body of Christ. Let’s also pray that we, too, will hear and act on God’s call to us to share the power of his love and mercy, a power that will always prevail against darkness and death!

“Jesus, help me to advance the mission of your Church to proclaim the gospel to the world.” (Meditation on Matthew 16:13-19, 2025)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that Silvanus, a secretary to Peter, may have improved the Greek in Peter’s letter that some consider questions the letter's authorship. The rebuke of Peter at Caesarea Philippi in Mark’s Gospel is immediate but Matthew first has Jesus install Peter with the keys of the Kingdom and the rabbinic power to loose and bind. Friar Jude notes the use of the term “Church” at the time that Matthew wrote his Gospel.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces theologians and activists Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra and Dr. Peter Heltzel who explore how we can live out the biblical virtue of solidarity.

Solidarity is a term commonly used in Latin America to describe the commitment and engagement of those who are not poor in struggles for justice. Joerg Rieger speaks of deep solidarity as rooted in the recognition that “we are really in the same boat. The system that is not benefitting the poor is not benefitting us either. Jesus goes out to the lost sheep, the lost son and yells at the holders of privilege.” [1] Those who are engaged in solidarity are committed to a partnership with the poor that rectifies the imbalances of our society. Solidarity does not imply a superior virtue. It is, rather, a matter of recognizing the need for the gifts and leadership of the poor in the struggle to create the beloved community that will bless us all.   (Rohr, n.d.)

Our Baptismal anointing as priest, prophet, and leader is the preparation from which the Spirit informs our response to “Who do you say I am?”

References

Matthew, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 22, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/16?13 

Mattingly, M. (2025, February 22). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Retrieved February 22, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/022225.html 

Meditation on Matthew 16:13-19. (2025, February 22). The Word Among Us. Retrieved February 22, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/02/22/1208285/ 

1 Peter, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 22, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1peter/5?1 

Psalms, PSALM 23 | USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved February 22, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/23?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Loving Other Stories: Weekly Summary. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 22, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/loving-other-stories-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 22, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=feb22a 

Leading as the Shepherd

 

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary, today the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, call us to reflect on the way we attend to the people of the Church who are attempting to fulfill the mission of Jesus to Peter and the apostles as shepherds caring for His flock.

St Peter and still water

 

The reading from the First Letter of Peter offers advice to presbyters who are tending the Flock of God.

 

* [5:1–4] In imitation of Christ, the chief shepherd, those entrusted with a pastoral office are to tend the flock by their care and example. * [5:1] Presbyters: the officially appointed leaders and teachers of the Christian community (cf. 1 Tm 5:17–18; Ti 1:5–8; Jas 5:14).1

Psalm 23 celebrates the Divine Shepherd.

 

* [Psalm 23] God’s loving care for the psalmist is portrayed under the figures of a shepherd for the flock (Ps 23:1–4) and a host’s generosity toward a guest (Ps 23:5–6). The imagery of both sections is drawn from traditions of the exodus (Is 40:11; 49:10; Jer 31:10).2

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus responds to Peter’s Declaration about Jesus.

 

* [16:13–20] The Marcan confession of Jesus as Messiah, made by Peter as spokesman for the other disciples (Mk 8:27–29; cf. also Lk 9:18–20), is modified significantly here. The confession is of Jesus both as Messiah and as Son of the living God (Mt 16:16). Jesus’ response, drawn principally from material peculiar to Matthew, attributes the confession to a divine revelation granted to Peter alone (Mt 16:17) and makes him the rock on which Jesus will build his church (Mt 16:18) and the disciple whose authority in the church on earth will be confirmed in heaven, i.e., by God (Mt 16:19).3

Edward Morse comments that the Lord knew full well about the fellows he was building with. Like the rest of us, they were flawed and weak, with only a spark of faith that needed tending. But he was still willing to build with them, tending that spark and keeping it burning through the ages.

 It is hard to live in these times, but I doubt that they are unique in requiring the members of the Body of Christ to bear up under challenges. Let us resemble the best of our predecessors in clinging to our Shepherd and listening to the shepherds tending our flock.  Let us also support and pray for our shepherds as best we can, as we also pray for one another.  After all, we also have our own little flocks to tend, and leading by example is not so easy.  Thanks be to God.4

Don Schwager quotes Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD), an early church father who comments on Peter's profession of faith in Jesus.

 

Peter did not say "you are a Christ" or "a son of God" but "the Christ, the Son of God." For there are many christs [meaning anointed ones] by grace, who have attained the rank of adoption [as sons], but [there is] only one who is by nature the Son of God. Thus, using the definite article, he said, the Christ, the Son of God. And in calling him Son of the living God, Peter indicates that Christ himself is life and that death has no authority over him. And even if the flesh, for a short while, was weak and died, nevertheless it rose again, since the Word, who indwelled it, could not be held under the bonds of death. (FRAGMENT 190)5

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 16:13-19 comments that “chair” also means an office of the Church. The feast of the Chair of Peter is a celebration of Peter’s special role in teaching and leading the Church. It’s also a celebration of the role that his successor, the pope, plays in every generation. The feast highlights the fact that the gospel message proclaimed by the pope can be traced all the way back to St. Peter and the twelve apostles.

 

There’s an implicit message in Bernini’s sculpture ( St. Peter's Baldachin). He fashioned a “throne” for Peter’s chair with the statues of four Doctors of the Church—Sts. Augustine, Ambrose, John Chrysostom, and Athanasius—holding it up. By creating these statues, Bernini was telling us that Jesus didn’t just put Peter “in charge”; he gave each of us a charge as well: to hold up, or take an active part, in his Church. Notice that those saints aren’t exalting Peter the man. They’re supporting his teachings, which come directly from Jesus. In other words, Peter does not rule alone. He is supported and upheld by everyone who follows the teachings and the commands that Jesus gave to his apostles.6

Friar Jude Winkler discusses the elevated Christology in 1 Peter that suggests an author other than Peter. Jesus' action at Caesarea Philippi is connected with texts in Daniel 7 and the Songs of the Suffering Servant in Isaiah. Friar Jude reminds us that the authority of the Pope connected to the Gospel today was also attributing to Peter the rabbinical authority over observance of the Law.

 

Gregory DiPippo writes for the new Liturgical Movement, which works to call to life the real heritage of the Second Vatican Council. In 1997, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI) published a volume under the title Milestones: Memoirs 1927 - 1977. In it he wrote about the importance of liturgy in bringing together a Church tearing herself apart. DiPippo traces the history of the two feasts of St. Peter’s chair. ( A former pastor, Fr. Charles Burke, shared the observation that the worst  winter weather comes “between the chairs”).

 

In 1558, Pope Paul IV, (pictured right) a strong promoter of the Counter-Reformation, added a second feast of St Peter’s Chair to the calendar, on January 18; a response, of course, to the early Protestant Reformers’ rejection of the governing authority of the see of Peter and the bishop of Rome. The newly restored feast was assigned to the day given in the ancient manuscripts, particularly the Martyrology “of St. Jerome,” which the scholars of the era regarded as an especially important witness to the traditions of the Roman Church, where Jerome had once lived and served as secretary to the Pope.7

 

  Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that although we cannot be a part of Jesus’ original “seminary of life” as the disciples were, contemplative theologian Beatrice Bruteau (1930‒2014) proposes that we can learn the wisdom of Jesus by drawing closer to him, eventually coming to live out of the same consciousness he shared with God.

 

Jesus, as disciple-maker, calls himself the Way, hodos, a road [John 14:6]. The road is something you can walk on; it gets you from here to there. Jesus is such a path. The passing from depth to depth on the way into his heart corresponds to a passing from depth to depth in our own heart, where “heart” means the core of our existence, not just the seat of the affections. We can walk on this road which is Jesus first by petitioning him, then by studying him, later by imitating him, and by dialoguing with him. But after we have practiced these disciplines for some time, if we are to enter his heart, we must get into his own consciousness.8

The role of presbyters and Church leaders to attend to the Spirit of God following the Good Shepherd is also the Way to care for our responsibility to the domestic church of our family.

 

References

1	(n.d.). 1 Peter, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. Retrieved February 22, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1peter/5
2	(n.d.). Psalms, PSALM 23 | USCCB. Retrieved February 22, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/23
3	(n.d.). Matthew, CHAPTER 16 | USCCB. Retrieved February 22, 2021, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/16
4	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - Online .... Retrieved February 22, 2021, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/022221.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 22, 2021, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2021&date=feb22
6	(n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved February 22, 2021, from https://wau.org/meditations/2021/02/22/180921/
7	(2017, January 18). The Two Feasts of St Peter's Chair - New Liturgical Movement. Retrieved February 22, 2021, from http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2017/01/the-two-feasts-of-st-peters-chair.html
8	(2021, February 22). Learning the Wisdom of Jesus — Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 22, 2021, from https://cac.org/learning-the-wisdom-of-jesus-2021-02-22/