Daily Readings - Tue Feb 22 2022
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
In today’s readings, we hear powerful messages about leadership, faith, and the call to serve. The first reading from 1 Peter reminds us that leadership in the Church is not about power or profit but about shepherding God’s people with humility and integrity. Peter exhorts the elders to care for the flock willingly, not out of obligation, and to lead by example, trusting in God’s plan. This passage emphasizes the importance of selfless service and the responsibility of those in positions of leadership to guide with love and compassion.
The Gospel from Matthew takes us to a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus. In Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” The disciples recount various opinions, but Jesus presses them further: “Who do *you* say that I am?” Peter’s bold confession, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” reveals a deep faith that goes beyond human understanding. Jesus responds by establishing Peter as the rock upon which He will build His Church, giving him the keys of the kingdom. This passage reminds us that true leadership is rooted in faith and that our identity as followers of Christ is tied to our willingness to profess Him as Lord.
These readings are deeply connected. In 1 Peter, we see the practical application of leadership in the Church, while in Matthew, we witness the foundation of that leadership in the person of Peter. Together, they call us to reflect on our own role in the Body of Christ. Are we leading with humility and integrity? Are we willing to serve others selflessly? And perhaps most importantly, do we have the courage to profess our faith in Jesus Christ, even when it is challenging? Let us strive to live out our faith with the same boldness and humility as Peter, trusting that God will use us to build up His Church and bring light to a world in need.