Today, February 22, 2022, (2/22/22), the feast of the Chair of St. Peter celebrates the primacy of Peter, the first pope, represented by the Holy Father Pope Francis over the universal church. The commemoration takes us back in the 4th century when early Christians commemorated St. Peter as the leader of the twelve. I am posting several photos of the church in Antioch where the original chair of St. Peter was. Although the word chair (cathedra) came out later in the understanding of this feast, we know that the office was deeply revered by our elders. For a long time, there were two celebrations one on January 18 and the other, February 22 but in the 1950's, St. John XXIII combined both and retained February 22 as the official date. The first reading from the first letter of Peter 5: 1-4 speaks of leadership and governance of the flock, "Do not Lord it over those assigned to you but be examples of the flock".
While others may have issues with Pope Francis' revolutinary pastoral example and strategy, I honestly don't. In and Under Peter. In fact, I find so much inspiration in his ministry considering what we go through at this stage in history. Where the church is, stay there. Whichever direction she goes, follow. Don't leave.
February 23, Wednesday is the Memorial of St. Polycarp of Smyrna (modern-day Izmir, Turkey). He was a disciple of St. John the Evangelist (the Beloved Disciple) who sent him to Smyrna. He was one of the Apostolic Fathers (post-Apostolic era) along with Clement of Rome and Ignatius of Antoich which meant that he had received Christ's teachings straight/directly from the mouth of the Apostles. He trained St. Ireneaus and Papias. When the Roman pro consul asked him to renounce his faith, swear by the genius of Caesar, and I will discharge you, revile Christ or face death, he said, "For eighty-six years I have served him and he has never wronged me. He has done me no harm. How can I renounce the King who has saved me?"
I am a Christian
was his confession. He was burned at stake but miraculously, the fire didn't kill him. He was instead beheaded by the sword. The Book of Revelation 2: 8-11 in the first reading which is addressed to the angel of the Church of Smyrna says, "Do not be afraid of anything that you are going to suffer...Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life".
Pastor's Musings is back from a long hiatus. It is about time. With the new platform, blogging and possibly, vlogging will turn over a new leaf because of so many exciting and wonderful features.
Thank you Immaculate Conception Parish volunteers for helping out in the Carne Asada (plus beans and macaroni) fund-raising last Saturday, February 19. We should do it again and often.
We pray for those who have passed on to eternal life. I'm going to miss a lot names but no worries we'll make a separate page in the homepage for
IN MEMORIAM...FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS...
Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace!
PARISH BLOG
O Mary conceived without sin...
Repent! for the kingdom of God has come near (Mt. 3: 2).
WALK IN THE LIGHT OF THE LORD...