This week we are going to talk about Saint Peter, the first Pope, who is someone that all denominations can agree is a Saint. Peter is a great example for the people of the Church and is a reminder that the Holy Spirit can work wonders in each and every one of us. Since Peter actually lived during the time of Jesus, I am not going to focus as much on what he did in his life, one because we don’t have exact dates such as time of birth, and two because its likely whoever is reading this already knows a great deal about him.
What I love about Saint Peter is that he is the most relatable man in regard to following Jesus. When Jesus came to him, Simon Peter humbles himself and then once Jesus tells him that he will now be a fisher of men, he leaves all that he has behind to follow Jesus. Much like all of us, Peter does not always get everything right, and he makes mistakes along his journey. When Jesus asks the apostles, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter miraculously responds with “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Only minutes later it seems, though, Jesus calls him Satan. This is an obvious testament to the fact that Peter is by no means perfect, not to mention that he denied Jesus three times.
Through all of this though, Jesus appoints Peter to be the Rock of his Church. Ultimately, this just proves that while we as people are flawed, it’s the Spirit moving through us that will make us strong. Think about it, Jesus could have chosen any one of the apostles to be the leader of the bunch, but instead He chose the man that seemed the weakest of the flock. Peter may have been the Pope, but we know that God is working through each and every one of us so that His will can be done. Last thought to remember that even when we have sinned against God, much like Peter did when he denied Christ, the love and forgiveness that God has for us is unlimited.
For more info on Saint Peter, go to: https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=5358
Alec's Saint of the Week 