In the season of Advent, as we prepare for the coming of Christ, the readings forWednesday in the Second Week of Advent invite us to reflect on the roles of leadership and faith within the Church. The passages from 1 Peter 5:1-4, 5:10-11, and Matthew 16:13-19 offer profound insights into the nature of spiritual leadership, the Church’s foundation, and the promise of divine grace. Here, we delve into these scriptures, illuminated by the wisdom of the Church Fathers.
1 Peter 5:1-4
Peter, addressing the elders, exhorts them to “shepherd the flock of God” not out of obligation but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly, not lording it over those entrusted to them but being examples to the flock. He promises that when the Chief Shepherd appears, they will receive the unfading crown of glory.
Saint Augustine reflects on this passage in his work, “De Civitate Dei,” asserting that true shepherds lead not for personal gain but for the love of those they serve, mirroring Christ’s own selfless ministry. Augustine emphasizes the humility required of leaders, a humility that reflects the Incarnation we celebrate in Advent.
1 Peter 5:10-11
Peter concludes his exhortation with a prayer for the grace of God to restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish the faithful. He glorifies God, who has called us to His eternal glory in Christ.
Saint Gregory the Great in his “Pastoral Care,” speaks to this passage, reminding leaders of the Church that their ultimate goal is the salvation and strengthening of the souls under their care. He sees this as an extension of the Advent promise – that in Christ, all will be made new.
Matthew 16:13-19
In Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asks His disciples who people say He is, leading to Peter’s bold confession, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus blesses Peter, declaring him the rock upon which He will build His Church, giving him the keys of the kingdom of Heaven.
Saint John Chrysostom in his “Homilies on Matthew,” articulates the significance of Peter’s confession. He views it not just as an acknowledgment of Christ’s divinity but as the foundational faith on which the Church stands. Chrysostom sees Peter’s role as one of stewardship and service, not domination, aligning with the Advent theme of preparing the way for the Lord through humility and service.
Saint Cyprian in “On the Unity of the Church,” elaborates on the concept of “the rock,” linking it directly to the unity of the Church under apostolic succession. He stresses that this unity is what Advent calls us to renew – our communal preparation for Christ’s coming.
Conclusion
As we journey through Advent, these scriptures remind us that leadership in the Church is characterized by service, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the faith confessed by Peter. The Church Fathers guide us in understanding these texts as not merely historical but as living calls to all who lead or aspire to lead within the Church. They urge us to prepare for Christ’s coming not only through personal sanctification but through fostering unity, faith, and love within the Christian community.
May this Advent season be one where we embrace our roles, whether as leaders or followers, in the spirit of those who have gone before us, awaiting the advent of our Lord with joy, peace, and a renewed commitment to build upon the rock of our faith.