St. Peter

Peter, who was also known as Simon Peter of Cephas, is considered the first Pope. Despite his papacy, Peter had humble beginnings and became one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He was ordained by Jesus in the "Rock of My Church" written in Matthew 16:17-18, which says, "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.'" Peter was a native of Bethsaida, near Lake Tiberias and was the son of Jonah. He and his brother Andrew were fishermen on Lake Genesareth. The Bible chronicles when the brothers met Jesus in Luke chapter 5, where Jesus performed the miraculous catch of fish and called them to follow Him, saying "from now on it is people you will be catching."

Just like that, Peter followed Jesus and his life was changed forever. Though he was one of the first disciples called to follow Jesus and eventually became the spokesman for the group, Peter is known for his "little faith." In Matthew 14, during the miracle of walking on water, Peter began to walk toward Jesus on the surface of the water, but when he noticed the wind, he began to fear and cried "Lord, save me!" Jesus touched him and said, "You have so little faith, why did you doubt?" This is one of many stories involving Peter and Jesus. Another famous story is Peter's attempt to save Jesus from the soldiers who came to take Him to his doom. As described in John 18:10-12, "Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, 'Put your sword back in its scabbard; am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?'"

Following the failed attempt to save Jesus, Peter was recorded denying Jesus three times, which The Savior foretold during the Last Supper. His denials were recorded in Mark 14:66-72, where Peter denied knowing Jesus three times before the cock crowed twice, just as Jesus had predicted. Following Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, it was Peter who first entered the empty tomb. It was described in Luke 24:12 that when Peter heard Mary of Magdala, Joanna, and Mary, the mother of James, claim Jesus' tomb was empty, he "went off to the tomb, running. He bent down and looked in and saw the linen cloths but nothing else; he then went back home, amazed at what had happened." 1 Corinthians 15:3-7 describes how Jesus resurrected and appeared before Peter first, showing the special relationship between Christ and His chosen leader.

Following his resurrection, Christ came before his disciples several times. John 21:12-23 describes an instance when Peter is given three chances to admit his love for Jesus, and each time he says he does. Jesus asked Peter three times "Do you love me?" and each time Peter affirmed his love, Jesus responded with "Feed my lambs," "Look after my sheep," and "Feed my sheep." This threefold affirmation balanced Peter's three previous denials and restored him to his role as leader of the Apostles. Jesus also foretold Peter's martyrdom, saying "when you grow old you will stretch out your hands, and somebody else will put a belt round you and take you where you would rather not go."

In the time following Christ's Ascension, Peter stood as the unquestionable head of the Apostles, which the book of Acts clearly describes. He went on to appoint the replacement of Judas Iscariot, spoke first to the crowds that had assembled after the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, he was the first Apostle to perform miracles in the name of the Lord, and he rendered judgment upon the deceitful Ananias and Sapphira. Peter was instrumental in bringing the Gospel to the Gentiles. He baptized the Roman pagan Cornelius, and at the Council of Jerusalem gave his support to preach to Gentiles, thereby permitting the new Church to become universal. According to rich tradition, Peter was crucified on the Vatican Hill upside down because he declared himself unworthy to die in the same manner as the Lord. He was then buried in Rome near the Vatican on Vatican Hill, where St. Peter's Basilica now stands.

Liturgical Celebration

The feast of St. Peter is celebrated on June 29th, along with St. Paul, during the summer season when the Church reflects on the themes of growth and harvest. This feast is celebrated as a solemnity in the Roman Catholic Church, recognizing the importance of both apostles as the foundation of the Church. The feast falls during a time when many people are enjoying the fruits of their labor and the beauty of creation, making it an ideal time to remember Peter's role in building the Church and spreading the Gospel. The feast provides an opportunity to honor Peter's memory and to reflect on the importance of apostolic succession and the unity of the Church. It is also a time to pray for the Pope and the Church's leadership, asking for St. Peter's intercession in guiding the Church through the challenges of the modern world.

Traditions and Customs

On the feast day of St. Peter, many people participate in special prayers and devotions to honor his memory and seek his intercession. Churches, particularly those dedicated to St. Peter or with connections to the papacy, hold special Masses and services. Many people gather to pray for the Pope and the Church's leadership, asking for St. Peter's intercession in guiding the Church through difficult times. The day is also marked by prayers for unity in the Church and for the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. Many people also take time to reflect on their own role in the Church and to pray for the grace to be faithful witnesses to Christ's love. The feast is also a time to reflect on how we can incorporate Peter's virtues of faith, courage, and repentance into our daily lives. Some people also make pilgrimages to St. Peter's Basilica in Rome or to other churches dedicated to St. Peter.

Prayer and Devotion

The feast day is an excellent time to pray for the gift of faith and the courage to follow Christ even when it is difficult. Many people make special petitions for the Pope and the Church's leadership, asking for St. Peter's intercession in helping them to guide the Church with wisdom and love. The day is also a time to reflect on the importance of unity in the Church and to pray for the grace to work for reconciliation and peace. St. Peter's feast day encourages us to remember that we are all called to be witnesses to Christ's love and that we have a responsibility to build up the Church in our own communities. It is also a time to pray for the grace to acknowledge our weaknesses and to trust in God's mercy and forgiveness. The feast reminds us that we are all part of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church and that we should work together to spread the Gospel and serve those in need.