The gospel today sees Peter declaring Jesus to be the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Jesus then declares him to be the rock on which he would build his church.

Nevertheless, anyone who observes Peter as he continues in his journey with Jesus will discover a man who was often weak even though he certainly had a big heart and the right intentions. His stature as a rock begins to emerge more clearly after Pentecost when he is empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Our first reading presents a more mature Peter, writing after years of ministry as shepherd of the Lord's flock calling for those in leadership to perform their ministry with gladness and eagerness. This bit of advice, coming from someone who had worked hard and long is certainly refreshing - especially to those of us who have worked hard shepherding, perhaps as parents or leaders in church ministries. There comes a point where we may feel overburdened.

Perhaps we forget that our ministry is what the Lord entrusts to us and thus the necessary strength and grace will surely come from Him too. Like Peter, we need to allow the Lord to strengthen us that our faith might not fail and that we might strengthen our sisters and brothers. (cf Lk 22:32)