More Than Just The First Sunday

Today is the First Sunday in Lent. Remember, Sundays might fall during the Lenten Season (since days of the week cannot be postponed) but they are not a part of the Lenten Season. Sundays are a celebration. Lent is a time of penance and sacrifice.

Lent is a moveable season and so some of the fixed feast days fall within the Lenten Season some years, and outside the season on others. This year the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter and the First Sunday in the Lent are one and the same.

Once upon a time the Church celebrated the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter on January 18. This feast signaled an Octave, or 8-day observance that ended on January 25, the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul. While the feast of Conversion remains on January 25, the feast of the Chair of Saint Peter is now observed today, February 22. To some this change is unacceptable. To others they are unaware of the change, while still others don’t know about the Feast at all.

Christ is the center of the Catholic Church. He is the head of all Christian Faiths – it is a truth every Christian accepts and believes. Nearly all Christians believe Peter was left in charge when Christ died on the Cross and ascended into heaven. People need a physical person at the helm. Peter was chosen by Jesus to be that person. Most Christians recognize this authority. Catholics also believe that Peter’s supreme pastoral duties, his office as Bishop of Rome was and continues to be passed down through a chain of unbroken successors. The chair itself, representing that chain, is a relic that is rarely seen in public. It was on display in 2024 during renovations to the Basilica. The chair had not been seen since 1867. Unlike the bronze chair sculpted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Peter’s chair is far less ornate. It is a simple wooden chair believed to have been used by Saint Peter. Catholics invoke the image of the chair and all it represents when we say that a Pope has spoken ex cathedra – “from the chair.” To a Catholic, teachings spoken “from the chair” carry the authority handed down through succession, and are infallible. That authority was given to Peter when Christ said “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

While few of us will ever have the opportunity to look upon the actual chair, you can see the bronze sculpture. A bronze throne is elevated above the ground, crowned by stained-glass window depicting the Holy Spirit as a dove. It is supported by four doctors of the Church, two from the West and two from the East. This symbolizes the unity of the Church and the joining of both Latin and Greek Church Fathers. Above the throne, cherubs hold the keys in reference to the authority given to Peter.

While today is the first Sunday in the Lenten Season, it is so much more. Today we acknowledge the authority of the Church, though the direct line of successors beginning with Saint Peter, to shepherd the faithful. It matters not if you observed the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter on January 18 or today, it is a powerful acknowledgement of faith.

Have a Blessed and Beautiful Sunday.

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Extra Crisp Sunday Waffles
1/2 cup Butter
2-1/4 cups Flour
1/2 cup Cornstarch
4 tablespoons Sugar
1-1/2 tablespoon Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Salt
2 cups Milk
2 large Eggs
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
Butter for serving
Syrup for serving

Heat a waffle maker to high heat. Set the oven on 200 degrees. Set a rimmed baking sheet with a wire rack on to hold the waffles. Melt butter, set aside to cool.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk well.

Add milk, eggs, melted butter and vanilla. Stir until batter is smooth. Set aside to rest for a few minutes.

Once the waffle iron is very hot, add about a half-cup of batter, enough to almost coat the entire bottom of the iron.

Close iron, cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes. Open iron carefully. If the waffle is golden brown and crisp on the outside, remove and place on the prepared baking sheet and set aside.

Repeat until all the waffles have been made. Place waffles in the oven to further crisp another 5 minutes.

Serve with plenty of butter, syrup and some Vermont Link Sausages for a beautiful breakfast.

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Have mercy on me, O God, in Your goodness;
in the greatness of Your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.
Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.