Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter the Apostle. Why do we celebrate a “chair?” Well, we celebrate not necessarily a chair, but the seat of Peter and the authority given to him in the gospel today to exercise the power of the keys as first among the apostles.
The cathedra in the church of St. John Lateran in Rome is the “seat” of authority of the Bishop of Rome who is the reigning Pope. Many mistakenly believe that St. Peters Basilica is the “cathedral” of the Pope; however, this is not true. While the Pope conducts many services in St. Peters, his actual cathedral is at St. John Lateran. However, we digress into talk about buildings, chairs and positions.
Today’s celebration is an affirmation of the authority of the apostle Peter whom Jesus named “the Rock” on which His church would be built. Today, let us offer up a prayer that the one who holds the keys in the place of Peter today will be open to be guided by the power of the Holy Spirit always.
Continue the journey…
Spiritual Reflection: “I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven.”
Blessings of love,
Fr. Mark
