Daily Catholic Mass Readings for February 22, 2018
First Reading: 1 Peter 5.1-4
1Therefore, I beg the elders who are among you, as one who is also an elder and a witness of the Passion of Christ, who also shares in that glory which is to be revealed in the future2pasture the flock of God that is among you, providing for it, not as a requirement, but willingly, in accord with God, and not for the sake of tainted profit, but freely3not so as to dominate by means of the clerical state, but so as to be formed into a flock from the heart4And when the Leader of pastors will have appeared, you shall secure an unfading crown of glory
Psalm 23
1A Psalm of David. The Lord directs me, and nothing will be lacking to me2He has settled me here, in a place of pasture. He has led me out to the water of refreshment3He has converted my soul. He has led me away on the paths of justice, for the sake of his name4For, even if I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils. For you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they have given me consolation5You have prepared a table in my sight, opposite those who trouble me. You have anointed my head with oil, and my cup, which inebriates me, how brilliant it is6And your mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and so may I dwell in the house of the Lord for length of days
Gospel: Matthew 16.13-19
13Then Jesus went into parts of Caesarea Philippi. And he questioned his disciples, saying, "Who do men say that the Son of man is?14And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, and others say Elijah, still others say Jeremiah or one of the prophets.15Jesus said to them, "But who do you say that I am?16Simon Peter responded by saying, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.17And in response, Jesus said to him: "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father, who is in heaven18And I say to you, that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it19And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound, even in heaven. And whatever you shall release on earth shall be released, even in heaven.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of leadership, faith, and the foundation of the Church. In the first reading from 1 Peter, we hear a call to humble and selfless leadership. Peter exhorts the elders to tend to the flock of God willingly, not out of obligation or for personal gain, but with genuine care and devotion. This passage emphasizes the importance of serving others with integrity and generosity, trusting that God will reward such fidelity in His own time. The image of shepherding reminds us that leadership is not about power or control but about nurturing and guiding others with love.
In the Gospel, we encounter a pivotal moment in Matthew’s narrative. Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” The disciples report various opinions, but it is Peter who confesses, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This profession of faith is not merely a human insight; it is a revelation from God. Jesus responds by declaring Peter the rock upon which He will build His Church, granting him the keys of the kingdom. This passage highlights the central role of faith in Jesus Christ as the foundation of the Church and the importance of trusting in God’s plan.
Together, these readings remind us that our lives, like the Church, are built on the rock of faith in Jesus Christ. Whether we are called to leadership or to simpler forms of service, we are all invited to live with humility, integrity, and generosity. Let us strive to follow Jesus with courage and trust, knowing that our efforts to serve others and live according to His will are not in vain. May we, like Peter, allow our faith to guide us and may we build our lives on the solid foundation of Christ, who is the ultimate source of strength and truth.