Episode 2959: The Chair of St. Peter - Morning Episode

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The Chair of St. Peter
Welcome to The Chair of St. Peter, a podcast dedicated to the daily reflections on the 1946 St. Andrew’s Missal. Today, February 22, 2025, we celebrate the great feast of the Chair of St. Peter at Antioch, a solemn reminder of the authority and mission given by Christ to St. Peter and his successors. Let us immerse ourselves in the sacred readings, reflect on the saints, and seek to grow in faith and obedience to Christ and His Church.
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Scripture Readings from the 1946 St. Andrew’s Missal
Feast of the Chair of St. Peter at Antioch (White Vestments – Feast of the Primacy of Peter)
Epistle: 1 Peter 1:1-7
"The ancients therefore that are among you, I beseech, who am myself also an ancient, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ: feed the flock of God which is among you, taking care of it, not by constraint, but willingly."
St. Peter, writing as the first Pope, exhorts the leaders of the Church to shepherd the faithful with humility and zeal. This passage underscores the divine institution of the papacy and the responsibility of pastors to guide souls toward holiness.
Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19
"Thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
Our Lord establishes St. Peter as the visible head of the Church, entrusting him with the keys of the Kingdom. This Gospel affirms Christ’s divine authority in instituting the papacy, ensuring that the Church remains His instrument of salvation through the ages.
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Traditional & Historical Saints Commemorated on February 22
• Chair of St. Peter at Antioch: This feast commemorates the establishment of St. Peter’s episcopal authority in Antioch before he moved to Rome. It reminds us that the papacy, as founded by Christ, has an unbroken lineage and authority.
• St. Margaret of Cortona (1247–1297, Penitent): A great sinner turned great saint, she lived a life of deep penance after her conversion, proving that God's mercy is greater than any sin.
• St. Baradates (5th Century, Hermit): A Syrian hermit known for extreme asceticism, showing us the value of detachment from worldly comforts.
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Theme & Reflection of the Day
Today’s feast is a powerful reminder of the primacy of Peter and the role of the papacy in preserving the faith.
Spiritual Examination:
• Do I recognize the divine institution of the Church and submit to its teaching authority?
• Do I pray for the Pope and bishops, that they may remain faithful shepherds?
• Am I willing to defend the truths of the faith, even in times of trial?
The Chair of St. Peter represents the stability and unity of the Church. While individual popes may falter, the divine promises of Christ remain "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
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Quote of the Day
"Where Peter is, there is the Church." – St. Ambrose
This timeless truth reminds us that fidelity to Christ necessitates fidelity to His Church, which He built upon Peter.
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Concluding Prayer
O Lord, You have established Your Church upon the rock of St. Peter. Grant us the grace to remain steadfast in the true faith and to submit ourselves wholly to Your divine will. May we always uphold the truths of our Holy Catholic Faith, resisting the errors of the world.
Through the intercession of St. Peter, St. Margaret of Cortona, and St. Baradates, lead us to greater holiness and fidelity. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
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Closing:
Thank you for joining today’s reflection. May Our Blessed Mother protect the Church, and may St. Peter intercede for us in these trying times. Until tomorrow, stay steadfast in the Faith!