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(1Pt.5:1-4;\xa0\xa0 Ps.23:1-6;\xa0\xa0 Mt.16:13-19) \xa0 \u201cOn this rock I will build my Church.\u201d \xa0 And Simon\u2019s name is changed to \u201cPeter\u201d, which means \u201cRock\u201d, to signify that here is the chief shepherd of the Church, upon whom the Church on earth rests.\xa0 It is he to whom Jesus gives \u201cthe keys to the kingdom of heaven.\u201d\xa0 Though all the apostles are given the power to bind and loose, it is Peter who leads \u2013 \u201ca fellow elder\u201d among all the elders and yet the one who speaks for all. It is not by man\u2019s decision that Peter is the Rock of the Church, but by the word of the Lord Himself.\xa0 Just as \u201cno mere man ha[d] revealed\u201d to him that Jesus is \u201cthe Messiah\u2026 the Son of the living God,\u201d so no mere man works through him today as our Pope guides the ship that is the Church by the power of the Holy Spirit.\xa0 It is led by the Church and its teachings we are guided \u201cin right paths.\u201d\xa0 It is as we dwell in this \u201chouse of the Lord\u201d that we are protected from all harm.\xa0 \u201cThe Lord is my shepherd,\u201d and the Shepherd of all, and into the hands of Peter and the apostles He places care for His flock. How well this first among equals instructs his fellow shepherds today in his letter: \u201cGod\u2019s flock is in your midst; give it a shepherd\u2019s care.\u201d\xa0 How well does Peter answer the Lord\u2019s call to strengthen his brothers, to see that His sheep are fed.\xa0 The key pitfalls of \u201ccoercion\u201d and \u201cshameful profit\u201d and \u201clording it over those assigned\u201d to them, he warns them clearly against, and reminds them of \u201cthe unfading crown of glory\u201d that awaits them.\xa0 It is they who must give \u201ccourage\u201d to the flock, they who anoint heads with oil to make the cup of the Church overflow, even here on earth\u2026 and as they are faithful, they are Christ\u2019s own special children. To those who still doubt the primacy of Peter and its absolute necessity, I invite you to read again Scripture and notice how often and always Peter speaks for the whole and acts for the whole body as he does today.\xa0 It is to all the apostles Jesus asks, \u201cWho do you say that I am?\u201d and though all may have faith, only one speaks up and answers in no uncertain terms.\xa0 As he does at the first council at Jerusalem, as he did in coming to the Lord on the water, Peter speaks and leads in the power of the Spirit.\xa0 The Church is one in Christ, and it has one rock it is set upon. \xa0 Written, read & chanted, and produced by Carie Fortney. \xa0 Music by Carie Fortney; used by permission. \xa0 ******* O LORD, as long as we remain in your House we shall be secure, for the faith of Peter will strengthen us.\xa0 YHWH, the keys of the kingdom of Heaven you entrust to Peter; he is the Rock upon which your Church is set, the chief Shepherd leading all the rest.\xa0 Though your Son alone be the cornerstone, the true foundation of this House, it is into the hands of Peter you entrust your flock by his confession of faith. You are at his side always, ever assisting him in leading the ewes with care.\xa0 It is by your Spirit he rules this House, generously giving his life in union with Jesus, our Savior.\xa0 And so, in verdant pastures your sheep make their home.\xa0 In your presence we are blessed to remain by your grace upon our souls, dearest LORD. O living God, bless this day all your bishops and priests, and especially the Holy Father.\xa0 You indeed bless them by revealing yourself to them and strengthening them for the work they must accomplish.\xa0 With them may we all walk in the footsteps of your Son, laying down our lives for all, that we might come to eternal rest in the glory of your kingdom.