Q U I C K S C A N

Why is Peter a source of frustration?
In what ways did Peter fail?
Why doesn’t Jesus reject Peter?

Readers reflect on Friar Jack’s musings

by Friar Jim Van Vurst, O.F.M.

Why is Peter a source of frustration?

Far be it from me to put words into Jesus’ mouth, but I can easily imagine someone asking Jesus near the end of his ministry what he thought about Peter. Peter was the first chosen by Jesus and the leader of the Twelve.

I imagine Jesus saying something like, “Peter is the most frustrating person of all the men I have chosen. He never seems to get the point of what I’m all about; he always talks before he thinks. But you know something? I just can’t stop loving that man. He is so sincere and good-hearted.”

According to gospel descriptions, Peter does seem to be a mass of contradictions, and we have to wonder how in the world Jesus chose Peter as the leader of the apostles.

In what ways did Peter fail?

Just look at Peter. When Peter sees the miracle of the catch of fishes at the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry, Peter cries out, “Lord, depart from me for I am a sinner” (Lk 5:1-11). Actually, Peter has Jesus going in the wrong direction. It would have made more sense for him to say, “Lord, please come to me, for I need you.”

Peter is one of the three privileged apostles to be with Jesus in all his major moments. He witnesses the miracle of Jesus bringing Jairus’ daughter back to life (Lk 8:41ff). He is present at the Transfiguration, where he beholds divine glory, and yet he immediately suggests that they build three tents for Jesus, Moses and Elijah (Mk 9:2ff). Jesus very seriously predicts his approaching passion, and because Jesus’ words contradict Peter’s (and some others’) plans for power, prestige and a glorious overthrow of the enemies of the Jewish people, Peter pulls Jesus aside and scolds him (Mk 8:31ff). Peter seems to think that if Jesus would listen to him, things would turn out triumphantly with a great display of power rather than tragically with Jesus’ death.

At the Last Supper, Peter opposes Jesus when, in all humility, he comes to wash Peter’s feet: “Not mine, Lord. It’s not right for you to do that.” Not long after that, when Jesus speaks of his betrayer and his suffering, Peter, with full braggadocio, proclaims that “others may deny you, Lord, but I will lay down my life for you” (Lk 22:31ff). It’s then that Jesus predicts his triple denial, which Peter cannot accept. Peter can’t watch as Jesus suffers his agony and prepares for death, and he denies Jesus three times in the High Priest’s courtyard while under oath, swearing that he doesn’t know Jesus. When Jesus begins his journey to Calvary, Peter is nowhere to be seen and hides with the rest of the apostles.

Rather startling is that, while we always consider Judas’ betrayal of Jesus as the worst sin any human committed, one can make a good argument that Peter’s was even worse, given his closeness to Jesus all through his ministry. No apostle is described more and quoted more than Peter, yet he denied Jesus three times.

Why doesn’t Jesus reject Peter?

After that litany of utter failures on the part of Peter, Jesus still forgives him time and time again. Peter is never demoted as a failure, but called to “feed the lambs and sheep of Jesus” (Jn 21:15ff). Why does Jesus never reject Peter?

The answer is simply the mystery of Jesus’ love. His love can see beyond Peter’s sins and failures. Remember, we read that Jesus was a friend of sinners and that sinners crowded around Jesus rather than run from him. We can only stand in awe of Jesus’ love.

The simple but amazing thing is that Jesus seems to use the weak and fragile to do his work. He doesn’t pick saints. He picks sinners. Why? Because, in the end, it is always the power of Jesus, and not any human power, that accomplishes the work of the Lord.

All of this is a powerful reminder of our relationship with the Lord. He is the one—no matter what we have done in the past—who always has open arms to receive and to embrace us. Can’t you just hear Peter saying to people who think they are unworthy of God, “Wait! You think you’re sinful? Wait until you hear my story. You can’t imagine who low I sank, and yet Jesus was always there for me.”

Thanks, Peter, for reminding us of Jesus’ love.

Friar Jack’s Inbox

Readers respond to Friar Jack’s musings on “Philippine Diary: In the Footsteps of San Pedro Bautista.”

Dear Friar Jack: I was born in Manila but never knew that San Pedro Bautista lived and ministered in San Francisco del Monte. Friar Jack, you led us in the footsteps of San Pedro Bautista from Spain to the Philippines to Japan. You showed us how San Pedro Bautista’s heroism and that of his companions’ lives on! Thank you for sharing your visits to the friary in San Francisco del Monte and the public shrine at Nagasaki. We will be praying for your ministry! Teodora (Toronto)

Dear Friar Jack: Reading your article on San Pedro Bautista in the Philippines touched me deeply and turned my eyes misty with emotions. I am a Filipina working in Rome, Italy, for the past 16 years. However, my last employment in the Philippines was with the Franciscan friars at their Provincial House near the San Pedro Bautista Church in San Francisco del Monte. Thanks for your thoughts of E-spiration! Priscilla (Rome)  

Dear Friar Jack: You might have added that the street in San Francisco del Monte passing in front of the San Pedro Bautista Church and friary is named after him: San Pedro Bautista Street. Jesus (Metro Manila)

Dear Friar Jack: What a wonderful story! I frequently travel to the village where San Pedro Bautista was born, San Esteban del Valle, in the mountainous region of Avila in Spain for the celebration of this favored saint. One of his followers returned the head of this saint back to the village, and it is revered and celebrated twice a year. The main celebration coincides with the feast of San Sebastian on July 7, when they carry a large platform and his sacred reliquary through town to the main cathedral. I plan to be there this summer to witness this celebration again. Many blessings, Michaelangelo

Dear Friar Jack: Thank you for the information about San Pedro. What is he holding? Is it a spear or some kind of building tool? Usually, I identify saints by their symbols. Thanks, MVF

Dear MVF: San Pedro is holding two spears. And, yes, these spears are symbols that reveal how he and his companions were martyred. After being crucified in Nagasaki, Japan, the 26 martyrs were run through with spears. I am very grateful to you and all the others who kindly sent me e-mails. You are all in my prayers. Friar Jack 

Send your feedback to friarjack@americancatholic.org.

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