It does not matter we like him or even if prefer his predecessors over him. We have to pledge our allegiance to the Pope. And must be obedient unto Him on matters of faith and morals. He is the vicar of Christ Jesus our Lord.
That said on this day we celebrate the Feast of Saint Peter’s Chair, we must remember that we who may not be ordained priests; are still shepherds over our Lord’s flock. We have a shared responsibility to lead one and all to the gates of Heaven. While still on this earth to lead everyone to the awareness of the reality of an open Heaven. An open Heaven is all about the presence of God: seeing, understanding, encountering, and perceiving realities that circumstances would deny, participating in greater realities, and partnering with Him to see the abundance of His world come and fill ours.
Let us offer one ‘Our Father’ and ‘Glory be’ for our Pope’s intentions. Amen
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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.
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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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