Over the years in our lifetime, we have been abundantly blessed by different Popes with varied gifts and talents yet single minded in leading and guarding the flock of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ. They have been anointed and charged with caring and feeding His sheep, His lambs. Through them we see the face of Jesus in all they say and do. Hence we should always heed the word of God which says, “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.” Ps 105:15
Our Holy Father Pope Francis and all the popes before him carry a very heavy burden which is made light only through the grace of Jesus Christ. Therefore we should always or at least try as often as we can to lift our prayers for him. He is the vicar of Christ and it is our duty to love and support him. Just as Aaron and Hur lifted up the arms of Moses in the battle against the forces that seek to overcome us.
Lord Jesus we thank You for our one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. We thank You for the gift of the successor of St Peter, our Holy Father Pope Francis. We pray You continue to guard and guide Him. Amen
We offer one Father, Hail Mary and glory be for our Holy Father Pope Francis’s intentions…..
First reading
1 Peter 5:1-4 †
Watch over the flock, not simply as a duty but gladly
Now I have something to tell you elders: I am an elder myself, and a witness to the sufferings of Christ, and with you I have a share in the glory that is to be revealed. Be the shepherds of the flock of God that is entrusted to you: watch over it, not simply as a duty but gladly, because God wants it; not for sordid money, but because you are eager to do it. Never be a dictator over any group that is put in your charge, but be an example that the whole flock can follow. When the chief shepherd appears, you will be given the crown of unfading glory.
Gospel
Matthew 16:13-19
You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say he is John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’ Then Simon Peter spoke up, ‘You are the Christ,’ he said ‘the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.’
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