Peter and Paul were two most unlikely people to whom God would entrust the building of the Church. On their own, Peter and Paul were not charismatic enough to lead even a tiny band of rebels. Yet, God did build the Church on them and the Church is still alive and kicking. That is why Christianity is a very special religion. It is not built, nor maintained by human wisdom and enlightenment alone. The hand of God is involved. Today, I want to focus on Peter because we have already spent one whole year with Paul, though I must confess that I have not understood St. Paul enough.
All the canonical gospels attest directly or indirectly that Simon was a fisherman (John 21). There are different versions of the call of Simon in the gospels. It will be an interesting topic for Bible students to explore. Anyway, from the gospel reading today, we learn that Jesus renamed him Peter.
He (Jesus) said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:15-18)
Peter means rock in Greek. Cephas also means rock in Hebrew. That is why we will come across Simon Peter in different names in the New Testament. Peter is the rock on which Jesus will build his church.
Earlier, when Matthew meditates on the Sermon on the Mount, he made the following conclusion through the words of Jesus.
Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock;
and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock (Matthew 7:24-25).
Therefore, did Simon hear the words of Jesus and practise them? If Simon himself were not able to build his house upon the rock, how would he be able to become the Rock? Unfortunately, the answer is negative. For example, Jesus taught us not to resist evil (Matthew 5:39). Simon Peter struck off the ear of the servant of the High Priest to resist (John 18:10). Jesus taught us to tell the truth (Matthew 5:33-37). Peter denied Jesus three times. Simon failed miserably and repeatedly. (For a more favourable comment on Simon Peter, click HERE.)
Jesus put up the question probably he wanted to identify the true leader God the Father had chosen to head the Church in the future. Now that he had identified Simon, it was time for him to tell his disciples God's salvation plan to prepare them psychologically for the upcoming upheavals. Peter failed to accept God's plan. Peter and all the Jews were expecting a powerful Messiah to drive away the Romans. We cannot blame Simon Peter because it was the ideology of the day.
From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.
And Peter took him and began to rebuke him, saying, "God forbid, Lord! This shall never happen to you."
But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me; for you are not on the side of God, but of men." (Matthew 17:21-23)
But Peter was also flawed in his personality. Take a look at his performance after the Last Supper. Jesus had foretold the scattering of the disciples at the imminent arrest.
And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Then Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away because of me this night; for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'
But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee."
Peter declared to him, "Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away."
Jesus said to him, "Truly, I say to you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times."
Peter said to him, "Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you." And so said all the disciples (Matthew 26:30-35).
I dislike this Peter because he boasted of himself at the expense of the others. It was good for him to demonstrate his loyalty to Jesus. But he should not do it by trampling on the other apostles.
It was bad for Judas to betray Jesus. But Simon Peter did not come off any better. He came down in history to be the person who denied Jesus three times out of cowardice.
Luke has a more generous treatment of Peter in the Last Supper incident.
"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat,
but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren." (Luke 22:31-32)
This unique quotation is not found in the other gospels. It shows that Peter has the full support of Jesus. Jesus would protect him against the assaults from Satan. Simon has the grave responsibility to return and strengthen the brethren because Jesus had promised that His Church would never fail.
The Catholic Church is blessed indeed because her Popes are able to trace the lineage back to Simon Peter, the first Pope. There have been sinners and saints among more than two hundred and fifty people who have assumed the titles of the Vicar of Christ and the Bishop of Rome. They are able to enjoy the same protection Peter had enjoyed despite the human weaknesses they all share.
After Pentecost, Peter was totally transformed. Not only was he able to work miracles effortlessly, he also knew the Scripture well (Acts 2:16); spoke eloquently (Acts 2:37); bore witness fearlessly (Acts 4:18-22) and showed signs of prudence (Acts 10:23). In Simon Peter, it is clearly demonstrated that God takes an active part in the shaping of human history. God is faithful. He will honour His promises.
Dear Lord, at this age of mine and in such a state of health, I have no aspiration to do any great. Keep me on my path and if it pleases You, allow me to serve You in Your way. Amen.
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