Saint of the Day: June 29, 2024
St. Peter, also known as Simon Peter or Cephas, is revered as the first Pope in Christian tradition. Despite his papal status, Peter’s origins were modest, and he was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He was appointed by Jesus in the famous “Rock of My Church” declaration found in Matthew 16:17-18, which states:
“Jesus replied, ‘Simon son of Jonah, you are a blessed man! Because it was no human agency that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my community. And the gates of the underworld can never overpower it.’”
Early Life and Calling
Peter was born in Bethsaida, near Lake Tiberias, and was the son of Jonah. He and his brother Andrew were fishermen on Lake Genesareth. The Bible recounts their first encounter with Jesus in Luke 5:
“Now it happened that he was standing one day by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the crowd pressing round him listening to the word of God, when he caught sight of two boats at the water’s edge. The fishermen had got out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats – it was Simon’s – and asked him to put out a little from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water and pay out your nets for a catch.’ Simon replied, ‘Master, we worked hard all night long and caught nothing, but if you say so, I will pay out the nets.’ And when they had done this they netted such a huge number of fish that their nets began to tear, so they signaled to their companions in the other boat to come and help them; when these came, they filled both boats to sinking point. When Simon Peter saw this he fell at the knees of Jesus saying, ‘Leave me, Lord; I am a sinful man.’ For he and all his companions were completely awestruck at the catch they had made; so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were Simon’s partners. But Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on it is people you will be catching.’ Then, bringing their boats back to land they left everything and followed him.”
From that moment, Peter’s life was irrevocably changed. Despite his prominent role among the disciples and eventual leadership, Peter is often noted for his “little faith,” as highlighted in Matthew 14, when Peter walked on water but began to sink when he noticed the wind and feared.
Key Events in Peter’s Life
Peter’s Denial and Redemption: One of the most poignant stories about Peter is his denial of Jesus, as foretold by Jesus during the Last Supper. Despite Peter’s strong declarations of loyalty, he denied knowing Jesus three times before the rooster crowed twice, which deeply troubled him. However, after Jesus’ resurrection, Peter was given three opportunities to affirm his love for Jesus, symbolically balancing his three denials.
Acts of the Apostles: After Jesus’ ascension, Peter emerged as a pivotal leader in the early Church. He led the appointment of Judas Iscariot’s replacement, preached to the crowds at Pentecost, performed miracles, and was instrumental in bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles.
Miraculous Escape and Missionary Work
Peter’s influence extended beyond Judea. Notably, he escaped imprisonment with the help of an angel, as described in Acts 12, and continued his missionary work in cities like Antioch, Corinth, and ultimately Rome. His martyrdom in Rome under Emperor Nero is well-documented, and tradition holds that he was crucified upside down at his request, deeming himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus.
Legacy and Veneration
Peter’s impact on the Church is profound. He is honored on June 29, February 22, and November 18 in the liturgical calendar. In art, he is depicted as an elderly man holding a key and a book, symbolizing his role in the Church. His relics, discovered and venerated over centuries, continue to inspire faith and devotion among Christians worldwide.