On this day of the Feast of the Chair of St Peter, we offer up prayers for Holy Father Pope Francis. Through Him the universal church is united, he holds the teaching authority as Vicar of Christ and entrusted to care for and to feed both sheep and lambs of Christ Jesus our Lord. It our duty therefore as Catholics to pledge our allegiance to our Pope.
Lord Jesus Christ, we ask for Your Blessings upon our Spiritual leader, Pope Francis. May the Holy Spirit be upon him that he may be a brother to all Your faithful and true servant to God our Heavenly Father. Strengthen him daily as he carries out the heavy responsibilities and immense duties of the church with grace, mercy and compassion. Grant him the grace of humility as he strives to bring Your peace, justice and truth into the world. Bestow upon our Holy Father, Your gifts of faith, hope, peace, love so that he unceasingly proclaims the Gospel and Your Holy Name to one and all. Blessed Mother Mary and all the Holy Angels and Saints of God our Heavenly Father, pray for and guide him this and everyday. Amen
First reading
1 Peter 5:1-4 ·
Watch over the flock, not simply as a duty but gladly
Now I have something to tell your 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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