Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter

In my family, my father had his special chair. We could sit in it when he wasn’t home, but we would move to another chair as soon as he came home. We treated his chair with respect.

At Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, a simple wooden chair is enshrined in a giant ornate bronze chair on the back wall under the brilliant window of the Holy Spirit. Tradition refers to it as the chair of Saint Peter, from which he taught during his final years in Rome. It has come to be a symbol of authoritative teaching.

In today’s gospel, Jesus wondered what people were saying about his identity. Did they recognize his authority? Several responses were given, some flattering responses, some intelligent responses, but he praised only one, the one that faith revealed. “You are the Messiah, the son of the living God.” It was only after much time that Saint Peter and the other apostles understood their profession of faith. It is the same for us; it takes time to digest what we believe – we grow in faith!

The chair of Saint Peter has come to symbolize the authoritative teaching of the Church and our Holy Father. (Santa Sede or Holy See) Saint Peter’s Basilica will be surrounded with extra lights and candles today. We honor the chair but are called to be attentive to the teaching of the Church it represents.

Are we attentive to the voice and teachings of the Church as faithful members of the Catholic community?

Prayer:

Lord, today we thank you for revealing yourself to the little ones and all those who seek you in faith. Help us to recognize you in the voice and teaching of the Church and, like Peter, the Rock, to accept the mission you give us in return.