Daily Mass Readings – Tuesday, 22 February 2028

1 The ancients therefore that are among you, I beseech, who am myself also an ancient, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ: as also a partaker of that glory which is to be revealed in time to come:

2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking care of it, not by constraint, but willingly, according to God: not for filthy lucre’s sake, but voluntarily:

3 Neither as lording it over the clergy, but being made a pattern of the flock from the heart.

4 And when the prince of pastors shall appear, you shall receive a never fading crown of glory.

R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

1 The Lord ruleth me: and I shall want nothing.

2 He hath set me in a place of pasture. He hath brought me up, on the water of refreshment:

3a He hath converted my soul.

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

4 For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they have comforted me.

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

5 Thou hast prepared a table before me against them that afflict me. Thou hast anointed my head with oil; and my chalice which inebriateth me, how goodly is it!

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

6 And thy mercy will follow me all the days of my life. And that I may dwell in the house of the Lord unto length of days.

R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

18 You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church; the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

13 And Jesus came into the quarters of Caesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: Whom do men say that the Son of man is?

14 But they said: Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

15 Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am?

16 Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.

17 And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven.

18 And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

19 And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.

Peter’s confession begins with a question that reaches every disciple: “Whom do you say that I am?” Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. The Church rests upon this revealed faith, and Christ promises that the powers of death will not overcome it. Her strength does not come from human control, but from belonging to the Lord who remains her true Shepherd.

That promise also defines Christian leadership. Those entrusted with God’s flock are told to care for it willingly, with a generous heart, without seeking power or personal gain. They are to become patterns for the flock, following the Shepherd who guides through danger, prepares a table, and accompanies his people even in the valley of death. Every form of service in the Church must reflect his patient care. Whether our responsibility is public or hidden, we serve best when our lives help others recognize Christ. His mercy follows the Church through every trial, and his shepherding makes faithful service possible.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, deepen our faith in you and keep your Church firm upon the truth you revealed. Make those who guide and serve your people humble, willing, and generous, never seeking to dominate but striving to give a faithful example. Teach each of us to care for others with the patience of your shepherd’s heart. When we walk through fear or hardship, remind us that your presence is stronger than death. Lead us into your mercy, and make our lives a quiet source of courage and peace. Amen.