Compassionate Shepherd

Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle

~~~ 1 Peter 5:1-4 ~~~ Psalm 23 ~~~ Matthew 16:13-19 ~~~

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

A shepherd tending his flock 

does not need good people skills.

A shepherd tending his flock 

does need to have good leadership skills.

A shepherd must have compassion for his sheep.

A shepherd must listen for each of his sheep.

If one gets lost he must be willing to do 

whatever it takes to find him.

A shepherd will never abandon even one of his sheep.

Jesus offers himself as the model shepherd.

Peter answers the big question from Jesus,

"Who do you say that I am?"

Peter knows in his heart who Jesus really is...

Christ, the son of the living God.

God chose Peter with all of his shortcomings

 to be the foundation of the church.

God chose Peter to be the shepherd of his church on earth.

Peter, embodies all of what it means to be human.

Peter has strong leadership qualities.

Peter was a good provider for his family.

Peter was a faithful friend.

Peter crumbled under pressure...he denied Jesus.

Peter overcame his fears and his weaknesses.

Peter kept his focus on Jesus.

Peter became the rock upon which 

the church we love today was built.

Peter did not give up on himself

 because he was in relationship with Jesus.

You are Peter, and upon

 this rock I will build my Church...

The Chair of Peter is a visible reminder 

of how our church has survived 

with the guidance of compassionate shepherds.

Throughout the history of the church

 we have been blessed with good shepherds.

God watches over his church.

God gives us the Popes we need 

for the times we live in at the time.

Blessed that we are led by

 those who are shepherds of our church.

~~~Peace~~~