February 22, 2004, Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, Apostle.

A reading from the first letter of St. Peter.

Beloved, I exhort the presbyters among you, as a fallow presbyter and witness to the sufferings of Christ,

and one who has a share in the glory

to be revealed. Tend the flock of God in your midst. Overseen not by constraint, but willingly,

as God would have it, not for shameful prophet, 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. The word of the Lord.

The response is, the Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose.

Beside restful waters, he leads me. He refreshes my soul.

The Lord is my shepherd, There is nothing I shall want. Even though I walk in the

dark valley, I fear no evil, for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage.

The Lord is my shepherd. There is nothing I shall want. You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. The Lord is my shepherd. There is nothing I shall want. Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come.

The Lord is my shepherd. There is nothing I shall want.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

When Jesus went into the region of Cessaria Philippi, he asked his disciples, who do people

say that the son of man is?

They replied, some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah, or one of the

prophets.

He said to them, but who do you say that I am?

Simon Peter said in reply, you are the Christ, the son of the living God.

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