Saturday 22 February

Feast of the Chair of St Peter, Apostle

1 Peter 5:1-4; Ps 23; Matthew 16:13-19

Leadership

In Matthew’s version of events at Caesarea Philippi (see 20 Feb), after Simon acknowledges Jesus as Son of God, Jesus changed his name to Peter and gave him authority from heaven. After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter exercised that authority and became our first Pope. We have his legacy in two letters to us as his flock, and in the one we read today he gave leaders some pretty clear instructions. Lord, help me to follow them.