The “lesson,” reading, on July 13 decades ago was from first Peter, 1 Pet. 5:1-4; 5:10-11: where Peter sent a message to his successors.
1 The ancients . . . that are among you, I beseech, who am also an ancient, and witness of the sufferings of Christ: as also a partaker of that glory which is to be revealed . . . :
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 from the heart.
4 And when the prince of shepherds shall appear, you shall receive a never fading crown of glory.
Moreover . . .
10 . . . the God of all grace, who has called us unto his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little, will himself perfect you, confirm you, and establish you.
11 To him be glory . . . for ever and ever. Amen.
Well. Such a goal he announced for successors, who are to look forward to the coming of “the prince of pastors.”
Then of course, the Gospel reading of this day so many decades ago, Matthew 16:13-19 . . .
13 Jesus . . . asked his disciples, What do men say of the Son of Man? Who they thought he was?
14 Some said John the Baptist . . . others Elias, others . . . Jeremiah or one of the prophets.
15 Jesus: . . . And you? Who do you say that I am?
16 Peter: . . . You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 Jesus: . . . Blessed are you, Simon. . . It is not flesh and blood, it is my Father in heaven that has revealed this to you.
18 And I tell you, Peter, He continued, it is on you, the rock, that I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,
19 and I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
The Savior spoke, it was settled.
And we? What do we think of all this?
Blithe Spirit 