By Pritam Dangwar csc –
Readings: 1 Pt 5:1-4; Mt 16: 13-19
In the first reading, St. Paul urges every single person who witnesses and partakes in the glory of Christ to shepherd the flock of God with hundred percent commitment, willingness, and passion. Those who shepherd with full commitment and lead people to God will be given unfading crown of glory when Jesus appears. Today, we celebrate the feast of the Chair of Peter.
It reminds us of the sign of authority given to Peter by Jesus, in whom Jesus built his church. The gospel reading portrays that all authority is given to Peter by Jesus, and whatever he will bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever he looses on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Through Peter, Jesus is placing all qualities of leadership and authority for the church to flourish.
As I see my everyday life, I have been given ample opportunities to lead my brothers through my daily conduct, activities, and events of the day, as all these will help me to not only grow in community life but also to focus on Jesus who gives assurance and hope to go further in my vocation.
In a way, it is an invitation for me to lead people of God in faith. It is an opportunity for me to reveal Jesus to people after having spent several years in formation and witnessing his work everyday of my life.
