In the Spirit of Feria III after the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
In the liturgical flow of this time after Epiphany, we contemplate both the pastoral call of the Church and her foundation upon Christ. The Epistle (1 Peter 5:1-4, 10-11) and Gospel (Matthew 16:13-19) passages deepen our understanding of the call to spiritual leadership, humility, and trust in the promises of Christ to His Church. In these passages, we find profound lessons on the nature of authority, the role of the Church, and the enduring promise of God’s grace amid human weakness.
1 Peter 5:1-4, 10-11: The Shepherd’s Heart
St. Peter speaks to the “elders” among the faithful, exhorting them to shepherd “the flock of God which is among you.” This passage reflects St. Peter’s understanding of authority as rooted in service and humility. The Church Fathers remind us that St. Peter’s words here are not merely practical advice for Church governance but reveal the very heart of what it means to imitate Christ as the Good Shepherd.
St. Augustine tells us that “the love of power is deceitful, but love in the spirit of ministry…makes us pastors of the flock,” clarifying that true leadership in the Church is inseparable from a loving service directed towards the salvation of souls. The responsibility of those who guide others in the faith must be exercised “not as lording it over others” (1 Pet 5:3) but as stewards who seek the well-being of the flock, reflecting the Lord’s own shepherding care.
St. John Chrysostom likewise exhorts bishops and pastors to avoid seeking honors, urging them to be examples in all humility and charity. This echoes the command in 1 Peter 5:4 to lead “not for filthy lucre, but willingly.” Chrysostom warns against any motivation for power or gain, focusing instead on the gift of pastoral care as a solemn and sacrificial duty. The reward for this service, Peter says, is “the unfading crown of glory” (v. 4), an inheritance that only the Good Shepherd can bestow.
As we reflect on these admonitions during this time after Epiphany, we are reminded of the constant presence of God’s grace amid our trials. St. Peter reassures his listeners in verses 10-11, promising that “the God of all grace, who has called us to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” St. Gregory the Great interprets this as a call for all believers to trust in God’s ongoing sanctification. He reminds us that no trial is too great for God’s grace, which will ultimately bring us to perfection and steadfastness in Him.
Matthew 16:13-19: Peter’s Confession and the Foundation of the Church
Turning to the Gospel, we see a pivotal moment in Christ’s earthly ministry: Peter’s confession at Caesarea Philippi. When Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter responds, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This confession is the foundation stone upon which Christ will build His Church.
Origen teaches that Peter’s confession reveals a faith that is not born of “flesh and blood” but of a divine revelation. Christ’s response, “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church,” signifies not only Peter’s role but also the Church’s enduring foundation upon the truth of Christ’s divinity. Origen explains that “the rock” is ultimately Christ, and Peter’s role is to mirror and mediate that stability for the Church. This passage calls us to root our faith in the divinity of Christ, the true Rock, and to recognize in Peter’s role a visible sign of God’s protection and care for His Church.
In this light, the Venerable Bede observes that Peter’s faith is a “cornerstone” upon which the faithful rest secure in all ages. Bede writes, “As the building rises, it relies on the faith of Peter, who is the first to confess that Jesus is the Christ.” Through Peter’s office, the faithful are assured of a visible sign of Christ’s guidance, enduring beyond any earthly institution. This foundation is crucial for the Church’s unity, identity, and perseverance.
The Epiphany Mystery in Christ’s Promises
During this post-Epiphany season, the Church invites us to reflect on the revelation of Christ’s mission and the promise of His continued presence with us. Christ’s words in Matthew—“the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”—are an assurance to every generation that no worldly power can ultimately harm the Church He founded. This passage challenges us to trust in God’s providence and resist the temptation to despair, even when the Church seems beset by difficulties. St. Leo the Great sees Christ’s words as a promise to all believers, calling them to share in the mission of the Apostles by bearing witness to the truth with courage and humility.
Reflecting on these readings in tandem, we are reminded of the humility and faith that are central to our calling as Catholics. The same humility that St. Peter exhorts the shepherds to possess is found in the rock-like faith of his confession. In his humility, Peter becomes the foundation stone, not because of his own strength but because of his reliance on God. As St. Cyprian of Carthage teaches, Peter represents “the oneness of the Church,” a unity grounded in humility, service, and unshakable faith in Christ.
Conclusion: Following the Shepherd and the Rock
As we meditate on these passages, let us remember that we, too, are called to the same spirit of humble service and trust. St. Peter’s life, from his initial confession to his pastoral exhortations, reminds us that our strength lies not in earthly power but in Christ’s enduring promise. During this season after Epiphany, may we pray for our shepherds to lead with true love and humility and for the entire Church to stand firm upon the foundation of Christ, the rock who will never fail us.
Through the grace of God, may we be restored, confirmed, strengthened, and established, becoming ourselves living stones in the edifice of the Church, following the Good Shepherd and standing firm on the rock of faith.