Daily Readings - Sat Feb 22 2020
1 Peter
1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed:2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Matthew
13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"14They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."15"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."17Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on leadership, faith, and the foundation of the Church. In the first reading from 1 Peter, we hear a call to those entrusted with shepherding God’s people. Peter emphasizes that leadership is not about power or personal gain but about serving with humility and integrity. He reminds us that true authority comes from God and that leaders must care for the flock willingly and selflessly. This passage is a reminder that all of us, in our own ways, are called to lead and serve others, whether in our families, communities, or places of work.
In the Gospel, we encounter a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus. When Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” it is a question that prompts them to reflect on the whispers and opinions of the world. But then Jesus turns to them and asks, “Who do you say that I am?” It is Peter who, inspired by God, confesses, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This confession is not just a statement of faith; it is the rock upon which Jesus builds His Church. Peter’s declaration reminds us that our faith is not based on human wisdom but on the revelation of God. It is this same faith that grounds us today and calls us to live as witnesses of Christ in the world.
These readings challenge us to examine our own lives. How do we lead and serve others? Do we do so with humility and integrity, or are we tempted by self-interest? And how do we respond to Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?” Our answer to this question shapes how we live, how we love, and how we share the Gospel with others. May we, like Peter, be bold in our confession of faith and may we, like the good shepherd, care for one another with selfless love. Let us remember that the Church is not just an institution but a living body of believers, and we are all called to build it up in truth and love.