Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle

Tend the flock of God in your midst, overseeing not by constraint but willingly, as God would have it, not for shameful profit but eagerly. Do not lord it over those assigned to you, but be examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Although these words are directed at the leaders of the Christian community, they have meaning for all Christians. We should do everything in our power to help our Church leaders to tend to the flock of God. If we have time to give in volunteer work, then we should give it. If we have talents we can share, then we should share them. If we have treasures we can offer up for the good of others, then we should offer them. And we should do these things eagerly out of love for God and His children. We should be examples to others of what it means to be Christians and share our faith, hope, and love with all our strength. If we do these things, then we shall receive a crown of glory crafted out of good and merciful deeds.

What are we doing to support our Church leaders? How can we share our time, talents, and treasures with the Church? What can we think, say, and do to forge a life worthy of the crown of glory?

O Lord, help us to be examples to your flock.

Amen.