22 Feb
Fri 		The Chair of St Peter, Apostle
1 Pt. 5:1-4
Ps. 22:1-3a,3b-4,5,6
Mt. 16:13-19
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In our first reading today, St Peter exhorts the "elders or presbyters" elected to led the community formed by the Apostles. The Church is the people of God, therefore it has to be lead according to God, "not by constraint but willingly", with humility, care and sweetness modelled on the Good Shepherd, Jesus.

Christ was sent by the Father to form a people of brothers and sisters of which, strengthened by the Spirit, He is the true head. Only the one called by the Father can accept this mission of Christ. But, Jesus, by sending His disciples through the world, wants to gather His followers into a hierarchical family where some, by receiving from the Spirit the charisma of leadership, "preside in the Lord" over those who submit themselves freely because of the Lord.

St Peter and His successors, as head of this family, should continue together with the other Apostles, applying the Message of the Lord according to the times, and it is in the loving care of Peter, that the Supreme Shepherd, who cares for His people, is revealed.


The Lord is my shepherd there is nothing I lack. Only goodness and love will pursue me (Ps. 23).

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That Catholic hospitals may be outstanding examples in the struggle against suffering and may play a leading role in proclaiming the Gospel of life and respect for the human person.
Elaboration

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P R A Y I N G    W I T H    T H E    C H U R C H    

INTENTION : That Catholic hospitals may be outstanding examples in the struggle against suffering and may play a leading role in proclaiming the Gospel of life and respect for the human person.

Suffering in any form has a supernatural value. It becomes an efficacious moment for our own and other people's sanctification. This has been the teaching of the Church throughout history bearing in mind the grace of Redemption obtained for us by the Lord on the Cross in Calvary. The Lord's missionary mandate to preach the gospel includes the dual concept "evangelisation and care for the sick".

Convinced of this missionary goal and called on to be visible signs of the mercy and charity of Jesus, Catholic Hospitals are urged to give special evangelical witness by loving works and actions, the Church's solicitude for those who suffer. Hence, Catholic Hospitals are to promote initiatives and actions in favour of life and that the entire hospital health care system be imbued with the culture of enhancing life through generous love and dedicated service.

An essential characteristic of Catholic Hospitals is that its treatment of physical suffering must reflect the mark of the Holy Spirit which is "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, understanding of others, fidelity, gentleness and self-control" (Gal 5:22).



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