I have a special love for St. Peter. Like me, he can be impetuous. (Matthew 14: 28-31) Like me, he can seem stubborn and outspoken. (Matthew 16: 22-23) Also, like me, there are times when his imperfections seem magnified in the presence of the Divine Holiness that is Jesus. In Luke 5: 8, he declares to Jesus, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”
And, so, in the heavenly balcony of my mind, where I have people who encourage me and lift me up, I have St. Peter. He is there, along with the Lord, Mary, Joseph, St. Paul, and my father, cheering me on in my race to eternal life.
The following passages especially comfort me when I am suffering from physical pain.
This suffering is all a part of the work God has given you. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. . .
Dear friends, don’t be bewildered or surprised when you go through the fiery trials ahead, for this is no strange, unusual thing that is going to happen to you. Instead, be really glad- – because these trials will make you partners with Christ in His suffering, and afterwards you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory in that coming day when it will be displayed. . .
After you have suffered a little while, our God, who is full of kindness through Christ, will give you His eternal glory. He personally will come and pick you up, and set you firmly in place, and make you stronger than ever. (1 Peter 2: 21, 4: 12-13, 5:10)
Jesus Calls the First Disciples
Luke 5: 1-11
At the Sea of Galilee, Jesus preaches to the people pressed around Him from Peter’s boat. When He finishes He tells Peter to put out into the deep and let down his net for a catch. Now, Peter is an experienced fisherman; he doesn’t think they’ll catch anything during the day when the fish can see the nets being lowered and avoid being caught.
However, Peter, though exhausted from a night of unsuccessful fishing, places his trust in Christ. (Luke 5: 5)
Then, after a miraculous catch that fills two boats to the point of almost sinking, Peter knows that this is far beyond a natural event. He declares himself a sinful man; but Jesus says, “Do not be afraid; henceforth, you will be catching men.” (Luke 5: 10) And, they leave everything and follow Him.
Investigation
Let’s read some Scripture with the view of seeing the various ramifications of Peter’s acceptance of Jesus’ invitation to follow Him that day. Let me show you how:
Passage: Matthew 14: 23-33
Notes: Peter walks on water toward Jesus, but when he takes his eyes and mind off the Lord & notices the wind and waves, he begins to sink. He cries out, “Lord, save me.” He is still not certain that Jesus is the Son of God. His profession of faith comes later. Because he followed Jesus that day, he gets out of the boat and begins to walk on water and walk toward his journey of conversion and belief in the mysteries of the faith.
Passages:
- Matthew 18: 21-035
- Matthew 19: 27-30
- Matthew 26: 33-41
- Acts 2: 14-43
- Acts 4: 1-23
- Acts 5: 1-16
Next time: St. Matthew and Bartimaeus.
Meditations:
- Who is in your balcony and why?
- Is Jesus in your boat?
Dr. Linda L. Powell 