Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter. This is the day on which all Catholics across the world celebrate our unity. The Chair of Saint Peter refers to the chair on which Saint Peter, the first pope sat while he served in charity.
To this day the Bishop of Rome, that is to say the pope, is the successor and living sign of Saint Peter still among us. The gospel passage for today places upon the lips of Jesus the question: and who do you say that I am? (Mt 16:15) This question must be answered not only by popes but by all of those who follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
This week in Rome, the pope is presiding over a meeting of all Presidents of Episcopal Conferences from all over the world. Together they are listening to testimonies from those who have been abused by clergy and trying to establish policies that will protect all minors in the Church. This is indeed a dark chapter in the life of the Church, however it is also a moment when we must learn how to be close to those who have been hurt. As Cardinal Antonio Tagle reminded those who were there at the meeting, we must learn from this experience how not to deny allegations against the integrity of the Church but rather to investigate them and to bring the truth to light.
Let us pray today that the challenges of our day will not darken the light that the Lord wants the church to bear. It is important that the light of faith be shared with all peoples so that we will not lose our way but rather that we will continue to be prophetic for the sake of all those who look to us.
Have a good day.
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