Sunday, August 31, 2014

Highs and Lows for Simon Peter

I'm going to keep to my Simon Peter theme for another week. 

Just last week, Matthew told us that Jesus glorified Peter as His Rock - the foundation He would build his Church on.  

As far as praise goes, that is about as good as it gets!  Peter must have been on top of the world hearing those words from our Savior.

But we know it was not all rainbows and sunny skies for Peter.  In this week's Gospel we hear the exact opposite.  

Our Lord lays one of the harshest insults possible on His Rock.  

He calls Him Satan. 

I'm sure once Peter figured out why he was getting yelled at, he felt the sting of that one. And such was life for Simon Peter.  A few steps forward, and then a few steps back.

Kind of reminds me of someone I know.  

Us.

As Shirley commented on my post last week, God did not choose a perfect man to lead His church.  He chose one with human weakness that was frequently on display.  One who stumbles often, but is given the strength to do better next time.  

It sure is inspirational, isn't it?  

I pray that our Lord blesses us with even half the strength that He gave Peter!

God Bless you.


3 comments:

Victor S E Moubarak said...

You're so right Michael. Peter was as human as all of us. Despite all that he witnessed when travelling with Christ, he still denied Him three times at the end. And Jesus forgave once again.

God bless you, Michael.

Shirley said...

I bet he was quite taken aback! Something to ponder, when we think we know what is best for someone who is suffering. It brings to mind the people who are in favor of euthanasia, but have no idea of redemptive suffering.

Michael said...

Victor, Shirley, and Colleen: Thank you for taking the time to visit and comment. May God Bless all of you.