February 22, 2018
The Chair of St. Peter
Chairs of Wisdom
Do not lord it over those assigned to you, but be examples to the flock.
1 Peter 5:3
When I think about each of the important older people in my life (all deceased because I'm one of the older ones now), all are associated with a chair. My father's preferred spot was his desk chair in his study. My mother spent her days in her comfortable chair in the corner, surrounded by books. My great-aunt was not to be disturbed as she watched afternoon soap operas from her wingback chair. My grandfather had his leather-covered lounger, its arms dotted with holes burned by cigars. From their chairs, they observed, they gathered, they taught and they provided a focus for the life around them. There was wisdom in those chairs. I'm grateful for the gift of Peter, our rock. From his chair--the sign of a teacher--he and his successors gather and unify us in our focus on the One who called him--and all of us.
St. Peter, pray for us!

- Amy Welborn

1 Peter 5:1-4|Psalm 23:1-6|Matthew 16:13-19

Comments

February 22, 2018 at 07:20 PM

I really enjoyed todays reading. about the chair,I can still look back today as where my Mom use to sit in the evening,and used the same chair to support her as she kneeled down to say the family Rosery ,we knew at times she was lonely and still missing our Dad since he passed a way when we were just kids. So Thankful for how God carried us through

February 22, 2018 at 09:02 AM

Love this! A memory key that opens many doors to remembrance of things past. I recall relatives and teachers in chairs that brought me wisdom, joy, understanding, and laughter. Thanks Amy for chairs of wisdom as a memory jog to a source of gratitude.

February 22, 2018 at 08:24 AM

Amen!

February 22, 2018 at 07:56 AM

Salina, WOW, thank you for sharing your reflection with all of us today and everyone here. They were all very good and makes me reflect on my own experiences.

I am going to remember the “Chair” experience for a long time and hope to share todays reflection with others on my journey.

The Jesus Chair!

God Bless

February 22, 2018 at 07:44 AM

Lovely reflection. Made my heart light. Amen

February 22, 2018 at 07:43 AM

Amen! Thank you Holy Father for this day and for today's Gospel. Thank you Lord for my faith, my life and for my family. Thank you Holy Father most of all for your great sacrifice and for the opportunity of forgiveness and reconciliation. Please Lord have mercy. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ now and forever. Amen

February 22, 2018 at 07:28 AM

It is very interesting to read about the chair of St. Peter, where he sat, taught and presided over mass in the early days of Christendom. It mirrors the priests presiding over mass today. I also reminisce, visualizing both of my grandmothers in their respective chairs; one in her comfy rocker, looking out her kitchen window, praying each morning, and the other in her wingback chair near her bedroom window, saying her daily prayers. What a wonderful vision!

February 22, 2018 at 07:23 AM

I love that before we say "I shall not want", we need to say "the Lord is my shepard"!

February 22, 2018 at 07:17 AM

I love the image of a chair! I remember when I first started meeting and dating Jesus and not knowing what or even how to talk to Jesus, a Bible study sister shared with me how sometimes she would put an empty chair across from her and start talking to Jesus as if He was sitting in that chair.

I love that Jesus chair ever since: His presence, His smile, His calm, His love, His scarred hands, His eyes of concern, and His voice!!!

Now this invisible Jesus chair is with me always whenever I go :-) He watches me from His chair when I go to bed, when I wake, when I come and when I go! There are times when He gets up and paces around the chair because I don't understand or don't want to listen :-(

Yes Lord Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God! I would not have known that except my heavenly Father has revealed to me Your work on the cross through Your Holy Spirit!

"You are my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures You give me repose; Beside restful waters You lead me; You refresh my soul. Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for You are at my side. With Your rod and your staff that give me courage.

You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come."

Amen!!!

kjc
February 22, 2018 at 11:57 AM

Thank you Salina and Linda for you reflections they both brought back memories of my parents and relatives.
I also associate memories with songs and people I have known.

February 22, 2018 at 06:48 AM

AMEN

February 22, 2018 at 06:36 AM

thank you for that reflection, it made me think of my father and grandparents in their favorite chair and all the wisdom and guidance they had to offer.

February 22, 2018 at 05:34 AM

I am reminded about probably the best sermon ever. St. Peter was put in charge of the gates of heaven because he's so much like us. Imperfect. That's how much God loves us!

February 22, 2018 at 05:10 AM

this was not in the hard copy today.
thought you might like to know.
thank you, though i read it online.
e

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