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 

Persecution and Service

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today resonate with the difficulties we may have in being servant leaders as they encourage us to boldly seek help from God.

Chutzpah and Service

The reading from the Prophet Jeremiah describes a plot against Jeremiah.

Psalm 31 is a prayer and praise for deliverance from Enemies.

* [Psalm 31] A lament (Ps 31:2–19) with a strong emphasis on trust (Ps 31:4, 6, 15–16), ending with an anticipatory thanksgiving (Ps 31:20–24). As is usual in laments, the affliction is couched in general terms. The psalmist feels overwhelmed by evil people but trusts in the “God of truth” (Ps 31:6).

* [31:6] Into your hands I commend my spirit: in Lk 23:46 Jesus breathes his last with this Psalm verse. Stephen in Acts 7:59 alludes to these words as he is attacked by enemies. The verse is used as an antiphon in the Divine Office at Compline, the last prayer of the day. (Psalms, PSALM 31 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus foretells His Death and Resurrection and addresses the request of the mother of James and John.

* [20:17–19] Cf. Mk 10:32–34. This is the third and the most detailed of the passion predictions (Mt 16:21–23; 17:22–23). It speaks of Jesus’ being handed over to the Gentiles (Mt 27:2), his being mocked (Mt 27:27–30), scourged (Mt 27:26), and crucified (Mt 27:31, 35). In all but the last of these points Matthew agrees with his Marcan source, but whereas Mark speaks of Jesus’ being killed (Mk 10:34), Matthew has the specific to be…crucified.

* [20:20–28] Cf. Mk 10:35–45. The request of the sons of Zebedee, made through their mother, for the highest places of honor in the kingdom, and the indignation of the other ten disciples at this request, show that neither the two brothers nor the others have understood that what makes for greatness in the kingdom is not lordly power but humble service. Jesus gives the example, and his ministry of service will reach its highest point when he gives his life for the deliverance of the human race from sin. (Matthew, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB, n.d.)

Tom Lenz comments, concerning the disciples, that the path of self-emptying was theirs to do just as it was his. It seems that Jesus was making a point that “the Son of Man” is going to be handed over and put to death, as if he was saying, “This is what is mine to do, and each of you also needs to find what is yours to do as well.” As he said, “Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”

One of my favorite theologians and writers is Sister Ilia Delio. In one of her recent books called, “Birth of a Dancing Star,” she helps us with the important questions we have about our life purpose. In one part of the book (pg. 211), she says, “I have a mission because every person has a mission – to be the truth of who they are so that God can be God in them.” Discerning what is ours to do is a big, wonderful, personal, and patient process. And I think that knowing that Jesus was there to guide his disciples through this process means that he is there for us in our discernment as well. As we continue through our Lenten journey, perhaps self-emptying in whatever forms that takes and allowing God to be God in us will provide some clarity on what is ours to do. (Lenz, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “Do you wish to be great?” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"Do you wish to be great? Then begin from what is slightest. Do you plan to construct a high and mighty building? Then think first about the foundation of humility. When people plan to erect a lofty and large building, they make the foundations all the deeper. But those who lay the foundation are forced to descend into the depths." (excerpt from Sermon 69, 2) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 20:17-28 comments that Jesus doesn’t let a teachable moment pass him by. He observes how this conversation affects the other ten apostles. They are indignant! Why should James and John be given higher status than the rest of them? We can imagine Jesus sighing deeply as he uses the opportunity to draw a striking portrait of servant leadership, so different from the domination that worldly leaders exercise (Matthew 20:25-26). He drives the lesson home by highlighting his own example—an example of service and love that he wants them to follow (20:28).

We can easily imagine ourselves in these very human scenes. How privileged we are to have such a patient, perceptive, and gentle teacher! He knows just what lesson we need at each moment in our lives. So ask Jesus what he wants to teach you today. Then sit at his feet, as his disciples did, and listen to him.

“Jesus, I invite you to keep teaching me as I walk with you day by day.” (Meditation on Matthew 20:17-28, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the plot to kill Jeremiah that was triggered by his proclamation of a time of judgement for the people of Judah. The “Confessions of Jeremiah” are his chutzpah conversations with God. Friar Jude notes how the demands of honour and privilege for James and John are seeking an inheritance in contrast to Jesus exhorting them to be servants.

Brian McLaren reminds us that we can trust God with all our emotions, including our anger.

Opening ourselves to God when we’re in need says that we trust God and want God to accompany us, support us, and befriend us in every way.

We trust those we love most with our deepest fears, doubts, emptiness, and disillusionment. So we love God when we share those vulnerable aspects of our lives with God. Just as a little child in the middle of a temper tantrum can shout “I hate you, Mommy!” only because he knows his outburst will not end their relationship, we can express to God our deep doubts, anger, or frustrations only because we possess an even deeper trust in God’s love…. The fact that we share this pain with God rather than withhold it turns out to be an expression of love. [2] (McLaren, 2024)

We are blessed with life, a mission, and our humanity as the basis of our service to others as we are guided by the Spirit to imitate Christ.

References

Jeremiah, CHAPTER 18 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 28, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/jeremiah/18?16 

Lenz, T. (2024, February 27). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved February 28, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/022824.html 

Matthew, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 28, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/20?17 

McLaren, B. (2024, February 28). Love and the Fire of Life — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 28, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/love-and-the-fire-of-life/ 

Meditation on Matthew 20:17-28. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved February 28, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/02/28/903158/ 

Psalms, PSALM 31 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved February 28, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/31?5 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 28, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=feb28