Leading the nascent church and setting her up for the end of time is no small feat. One would think that someone with impeccable character and rock-solid faith would be best suited for the position. This immense responsibility was given to Peter, the first of the apostles, whose name means the rock on which the church was founded. He confidently answered that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the Living God," when Jesus asked, "Who do you say that I am?" With guidance from the Holy Spirit, his answer was revelatory, a sign of his profound understanding of Jesus' identity.

However, Peter was far from perfect. Several Gospel accounts suggest that he was impulsive, outspoken, and quick to anger. Notably, when Jesus was arrested, Peter denied him three times (Mk. 14:66-72). While walking on water, he also faltered when he lost his focus on Jesus (Mt. 14:30). He cut off the ear of Malchus, the servant of the High Priest Caiaphas, who participated in the arrest of Jesus (Jn. 18:10).

Nevertheless, despite these imperfections, Jesus entrusted the "chair" or the teaching and pastoral authority to Peter so that he and his successors would be the sign of unity of the Church throughout time. Today we mark this conferring of authority as we observe the Feast of the Chair of Peter. More than anything, I think, the feast underscores the enduring and sustaining grace of God for His church, that despite our leaders' humanity and shortcomings, the grace and mercy of God persist and prevail.

As we mark this feast and journey through Lent, may we take solace in the truth that despite our shortcomings, God's mercy and grace are abundant. Let us draw from God's inexhaustible fountain of grace and mercy. Let us remember that God fills in what is lacking, forgives past shortcomings, and unselfishly bestows grace so that each of us will be capable of doing good in the world.

May we also look to our leaders with compassion and mercy. Let us remember them in our prayers, asking the Divine Shepherd that they be, as the first reading says, good "examples to the flock." May they reflect the pastoral care of God through their humility, words, and deeds.