Today we celebrate the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter also known as 'cathedra petri'. This has been celebrated since early times as a special commemoration of the primatal authority of St. Peter.
Jesus called Simon Peter to be a fisher of men. Peter came. Then later when Jesus asks who people say that he is, Simon Peter reflects upon Jesus' life, his teachings and puts them into context with what he knows of his faith in the sacred scriptures of the prophets and the Law, and he realizes who Jesus is. He is inspired by the Spirit. Simon Peter confesses that Jesus is the Messiah. God had revealed this to him. As specially anointed to preach this, Jesus tells him that he is Peter. He is the rock on which he would build his church. This is the primal authority of St. Peter.
As outspoken and at times having little faith, embodying all the faults of someone truly human, Peter is chosen of them all to lead the others in the Way. God is with him as he tries to grasp what is being revealed to him, and also drives Peter to want to be even more intimately close to him. It is a great trust and responsibility placed upon Peter's shoulders, but will become even greater as the Passion and Crucifixion grow close. In our Lenten journey we look toward Peter's successor, Pope Francis, for our cues to that which will bring us closer to our Lord.
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