Devotion for today: What did Jesus see in Peter?

I have been having a bit of fun this week wondering what today’s media would have to say about Jesus’ choice for the first head of His Church. Let’s take a look at some Bible passages that may make this choice clear, and  make us realize that God sees more in us and others than we do!

Luke 5:1-11: One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

 I find it interesting that although other men, who also became apostles,were present, this passage is definitely about Jesus’ call to Simon Peter. First he gets into Simon’s boat. Fr. Robert Barron tells us in his series “Catholicism” that we should all know this: once you let Jesus in your boat, you will never be the same again! We know that is true about Peter! Then Jesus tells him to do something a bit ridiculous, to continue fishing where they have not caught any fish. Peter does it, recognizes the miracle, and immediately perceives that he is in the presence of holiness. He confesses his sinfulness and drops everything to follow Jesus. Again, note that Jesus tells only him, “From now on you will fish for men.” Here we see the Holy Spirit at work, something the media would not understand. It becomes clear from the onset of the Gospels that Peter is definitely singled out for special consideration by Christ. Do we realize that God has this kind of plan for each of us? Do we even let Jesus into our boats, much less do the ridiculous, sense holiness, see our sinfulness and drop everything to follow Him? I think we are beginning to find out what it takes to be a true follower of Christ, and to be a Pope! Let’s look at another “Peter Passage”.

Matthew 14:28-31:  “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” I like this passage so much. Here we find Peter jumping into the water once he is sure it is Jesus. What he was thinking, we will never know. What we do know is that he had faith enough to leap, faith enough to admit he was afraid and faith enough to cry to Jesus for help. Jesus does save him, mildly chiding him . I think Jesus must have smiled many times at Peter. He was so willing, so eager, so impetuous when it came to his feelings for Jesus, and so remarkably human in his failings to hold onto his first leap to Christ! So the future Pope is allowed to reach out in faith and admit he is sinking = brave, humble and very, very human!

Luke 22:31-34

 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” If you ever had any doubt that Jesus is fully aware of your shortcomings, and chooses you anyway, read this passage every night before you go to bed. Substitute your name for Peter’s when Jesus says, “But I have prayed for you…” and never forget that this person whom Jesus knew would betray Him three times was still His choice for Pope. Why should we ever be surprised at the workings of God, especially in choosing the head of His Church? The important part of this passage is that since Peter was chosen by Jesus, Jesus never abandoned him; He prayed for him, just as He will always hold His new Pope (and us) close to His heart.

John 21:15-17: When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep." Why three times? Didn’t Jesus hear Peter the first time? If this is His choice for Pope, why does He continue to ask him this question? Because, Jesus gives Peter three chances to proclaim his love, thus denouncing his three-time denial. Jesus always gives us a second chance, and when He does, He does not reduce the role in life He has chosen for us. He simply allows us to willingly choose Him back. Remember, God always chooses us first. We must do as Peter did and announce our love, then love and serve God’s people. Remember one of the titles of the Pope is this: “Servant of the servants of God.” Servant: that is what the media will never get.

Now, onto serious prayer for the selection of our next Pope: Pray and pray hard. Jesus prayed for His first Pope, and heaven knows he needed it, so we too must pray for our next Pope. And remember, we are being called every single day to do a job Jesus has chosen for us. Pray for me, and I will pray for you to know what that job is. At least we are not going to bed tonight wondering if we will awaken tomorrow to find out we are the next Pope!!!!