reference:
http://cms.usccb.org/bible/readings/082320.cfm
I quote:
You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
unquote
The Apostle Simon had a well established reputation for speaking his mind, annoyingly talkative might well be his claim to fame. For this reason he was renamed hard headed Simon, otherwise known to us as Simon Peter. Peter is derived from the Greek word πέτρα (pétra) for stone, or rock.
Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "This very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." But Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same. ~ Matthew 26
The four gospels clearly record Simon Peter's unfaithfulness time, after time. Simon was filled with doubt despite his acknowledgement of Jesus as The Messiah. Simon Peter would deny his friendship with Jesus three times.
Simon Peter was one of the twelve apostles known to be very close to Jesus. Simon's denials are made in the face of accusations that he shared the company of Jesus, evidencing the bond of friendship. The Gospel of Matthew states that Peter denied Jesus "in front of everyone", thereby making a public witness, affirming this with an oath. (Matthew 26:72)
The inquiring mind might well ask why trust such a person with a fluid sense of friendship, betraying the very man who he stated he loved.
Each synoptic gospel records that Peter "wept bitterly" after the rooster crowed. Simon had understood that Jesus' words that Simon would deny Him three times had come to pass.
What should we learn from Simon Peter's public displays of unfaithfulness? Peter is the typical human person living in faith, yet filled with doubt, to overflowing when exposed to public scrutiny. There but for the Grace of God, go I. The Christ did not disown Simon.
Following His resurrection The Christ visits His band of apostles on numerous occasions.
Speaking to Simon Peter:
Do you love me more than you love these disciples?
Do you love me more than you love this fishing gear?
Do you love me more than these other disciples do? ~ John 21
Responding to Peter's three confirmations of his love for Him, The Christ gives Peter three commands: "Feed my lambs" / "Take care of my sheep" / "Feed my sheep". The Christ is assigning, and restoring Peter as an apostle, and leader in His community of believers.
Through this action The Christ forgave Simon Peter his lapses, asking him to return to His loving friendship.
Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me” ~ John 21:19
end
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