February 22, 2019 Friday of the 6th Week of Ordinary Time-C CHAIR OF ST. PETER, APOSTLE

1 Peter 5:1-4

Psalm 23

Matthew 16:13-19

Tend the flock of God in your midst… 1 Peter 5:2

“…you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church…” Mt. 16:18

Lord, when you chose Peter to lead the Church you were establishing he wasn’t the best mankind had to offer.  You saw a hard-working fisherman and family man who was not perfect but in him you saw the great potential leader he would become.  Due to your teaching, example, love, encouragement and the grace of ordination and the Holy Spirit he became in time everything you needed him to be.  Not only was he chosen to be the first Pope of your Church he and the other Apostles were your first holy priests.  Today is a good day to lift up our priests who have answered your call to priestly orders.  Like your Apostles, they have left everything to follow you.  Like Peter, they can make mistakes, show poor judgment, and give into fear.  But they also have the same Spirit to lead them to greatness and holiness as every priest since Peter has been led.  Heal those who are wounded by weakness.  I pray with all my heart for priests to be good and faithful examples to your flock.  I also pray for young men to heed your call to priestly service.  Amen.