Homily for Tuesday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle II
Theme: You Are Peter
By: Fr. Gerald M. Musa
Homily for Tuesday February 22 2022
Feast of the Chair of Peter.
Key is a metaphor for authority and as the keys of the house of David were presented to Eliakim (cf. Isaiah 22:19-23), so were the keys of the kingdom presented to Peter. Likewise, the Chair (Cathedra) of Peter is the symbol of his teaching authority. Jesus knew that if the world Christian community must remain one, there has to be a universal leader. Thus, in the presence of other apostles, He said to Peter: “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:18-19). Without a universal leader, there is bound to be chaos and every apostle would have been tempted to establish an independent ministry or Church. Jesus laid a solid foundation of unity by choosing Peter as the first Pope, followed by his successors. The Pope is called servant of the servants of God (Servus servorum Dei), who together with his brother bishops, teaches, governs, and sanctifies the people of God. Every year we celebrate the Chair of St. Peter which is a symbol of authority and unity. Do you remember to pray for the unity of the Church?
Matthew 16:13-19; 22nd February, Chair of Peter.
