chair-person
"Jesus replied, 'Blest are you, Simon son of Jonah! No mere man has revealed this to you, but My heavenly Father. I for My part declare to you, you are "Rock," and on this rock I will build My Church.' " —Matthew 16:17-18
Only the Catholic Church would celebrate a chair. We Catholics don't need much of a reason for a party. The chair represents the authority of the Pope and the unity of the Church. We believe Jesus chose St. Peter as leader of the Church and intended that others succeed Peter as its leader. We rejoice in this order because it is God's way of protecting, guiding, and unifying us.
Although Satan is the master of deception and we seem too weak to deal with his attacks, we remain confident because the Lord will tell us what to do. God knows how to guard His people and "there is no snatching out of His hand" (Jn 10:29).
The Lord has chosen the Pope as the main instrument of His protection, guidance, and unity. We celebrate God's provision for the Church's needs. To benefit fully from God's plan, we should:
- pray for the Pope daily,
- read what he writes,
- speak well of him, and
- obey him.
Let's submit ourselves to God-given authority and receive God's gifts (see Heb 13:17).
Prayer: Jesus, may I do it Your way.
Promise: "God's flock is in your midst; give it a shepherd's care...When the Chief Shepherd appears you will win for yourselves the unfading crown of glory." —1 Pt 5:2, 4
Praise: St. Peter, our first Pope, taught many profound truths in his two epistles. Significantly, by means of the Incarnation, we "become sharers of the divine nature" (2 Pt 1:4).
Reference: (We offer a Women's Retreat Mar 20-21, Mary's Life in the Spirit. Let us look to Mary as our example in living a Spirit-filled life. Call 513-373-2397 or 937-587-5464 or email us at retreats@presentationministries.com to register.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 8, 2019
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