Daily Readings - Mon Feb 22 2021
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 first reading from 1 Peter reminds us of the call to shepherd God’s people with humility and selflessness. Peter, who himself was a witness to Christ’s Passion, urges elders to care for the flock not out of obligation or personal gain, but willingly and with integrity. This passage emphasizes the importance of leadership rooted in love and service, rather than power or profit. The image of shepherding evokes a deep sense of responsibility and care, reminding us that true leadership is about guiding and nurturing others in accordance with God’s will.
In the Gospel, Jesus asks His disciples a profound question: “Who do you say that I am?” Peter’s confession, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” is a moment of clarity and faith. Jesus blesses Peter for this insight, which comes not from human understanding but from divine revelation. The passage then shifts to Jesus establishing Peter as the rock upon which He will build His Church, giving him the keys of the kingdom. This exchange highlights the central role of faith in revealing who Jesus is and the authority that comes with it.
Both readings are connected by the theme of leadership and faith. In 1 Peter, we see the call to lead with humility and integrity, while in Matthew, we see the transformative power of faith and the trust Jesus places in His followers. Together, they remind us that our faith must be lived out in service to others and in fidelity to God’s will. Let us reflect on how we can lead and serve in our own lives, guided by the example of Peter, who both confessed Jesus and was called to care for His flock. May our faith be the foundation upon which we build our lives, and may we use the gifts and responsibilities entrusted to us to glorify God.