Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle.

Cathedra of Peter Mt 16, 13-19
May Jesus Christ, who has given us the freedom of the children of God, be with you. Today’s feast is “the memory” of the ministry of St Peter, which he received from Christ. Jesus appointed him as his successor, the visible head of the Church. This event is described in the Gospels of St Matthew and St John. You are the Master and the model of our lives. Lord, have mercy on us. Whoever seeks you with a sincere heart will find you. Christ, have mercy on us. You have given Peter the keys to the kingdom. Lord, have mercy on us.
The evangelist Matthew writes in his Gospel: “But who do you say that I am? Simon Peter replied. You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Jesus said, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. But I say to you. You are Peter; on this rock, I will build my church and the powers of the underworld will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Mt 16, 13-19 The other text in which Jesus explicitly introduces Peter to the ministry is found in the Gospel of John. When they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter. Simon, son of John, do you love me? He answered him. Yes, Lord, you know that I love you. Jesus said to him. Feed my lambs. The second time he asked him Simon, son of John… The third time he asked him, Simon… Then Peter was sad because Jesus had asked him the third time. Do you love me? He answered him. Lord, you know everything, you know that I love you. Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. John 21:15-18.
Peter first worked in Antioch, then went to the capital of Syria, where he worked for seven years. In 42, he went to Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius. From Rome, he administered the church for about 25 years. In 67, he suffered martyrdom. It happened during the reign of Emperor Nero. Peter was given the task of “guarding” the purity of the faith, which had been subjected to countless attacks and errors throughout history. Despite the difficulties, the Church has persevered in unity until now. So that we may seek and find Christ with all our heart, we dare to pray to the Father. We belong to Christ through baptism. So we may ask him for his peace. Blessed are those who help to build the kingdom of God and are counted among his children.