My dear friends, the scene for today’s Gospel is Caesarea Philippi. It is a city 25 miles north of the Sea of Galilee. This is the place where Jesus asked his Disciple the fundamental question “Who do People say that the Son of Man is?” Jesus rejects the inadequate ways in which others understood his role and demands that his disciples speak for themselves. Notice that Peter’s Confession of Jesus as “the Son of the living God” had a special meaning in Old Testament times because Caesarea Philippi was the place where the Canaanites and Phoenicians worshiped the pagan god, Baal. In contrast to this pagan god, Baal, who was powerless, impotent, and dead, Peter declared that Jesus was the Son of the Living God. Peter meant that Jesus was alive and active on behalf of the people. Consequently, Jesus was very pleased with Peter’s answer and thus declares, “You are Peter and upon this Rock, I will build my church.” This shows that the primacy of Peter was not something invented by the Church later on. Rather, it goes back to the beginning; to the mind and will of Christ himself. In giving authority to the man who denied him, we learn that Jesus’ Church is not founded on human strength, but on his love and faithfulness. The church’s true foundation is Christ himself.    

            Peter is one of the most interesting characters in the Gospel. It is clear that he had leadership qualities. But it is also clear that he had glaring weaknesses. In the Gospels, we see his ups and downs. Sometimes he is brave; other times he is cowardly. Sometimes he is like a rock; other times he is more like a piece of jelly. He is almost too human. Certainly he is not our idea of a saint, or the ideal person to be head of Christ’s church.
            But it is interesting to see how Jesus dealt with him. How he helped him to grow into the man who was ready to lay down his life for him and who eventually did. This growth was despite some regressions. But this is how growth happens. To live is to change; to be perfect is to have changed often.
            Let us take a closer look at the relationship between Jesus and Peter. It will help us grow as human beings and as true disciples of Jesus. Additionally, looking at this relationship will show us how to help those we love grow as well. It all started when Jesus called Peter. Obviously, Jesus saw potential in him. We all need someone to believe in us because it is hard to believe in ourselves if no one else believes in us. Peter didn’t think he deserved that call. He said, “Lord, depart from me, for I am a sinful man.” Jesus did not deny that Peter was a sinner, but he challenged him to grow. We all need to be challenged. Some demands have to be made on us. Not to demand anything from someone is to condemn that person to sterility.

            Jesus not only involved Peter in his work but actually made Peter a partner in it, not just a mere messenger boy.  Responsibility helps people grow. We also see that, one time Jesus asked Peter to declare his loyalty. When large numbers of people were leaving him, Jesus turned to Peter and said, “will you also go?” This forced Peter to look into his own heart and to stand on his own two feet. This helps growth. When Peter eventually made his great declaration of faith, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” Jesus praised him and promised him further responsibility. We all need recognition for work well done. We all need affirmation. This encourages further generosity.
            Jesus corrected Peter when he drew his sword in the garden of Gethsemane. Jesus said to him, “Peter, put away your sword.” It takes courage on the part of the tutor to point out mistakes. To learn from ones mistake is an essential part of growth.
            One time, Peter was told off by Jesus. When Peter wanted to prevent him from going to Jerusalem, where he would be crucified, Jesus rebuked him with these words: “get behind me Satan.” Jesus meant that Peter was hindering his mission of saving humanity. Sometimes a tutor may have to reprove. However, there is an art in doing it. Sometimes this might mean asking the Holy Spirit to give us the right words that will bring about the desire of transformation.
            Furthermore, Jesus confronted Peter with his failure to stay awake in the garden when he said, “Can you not watch even one hour with me?” It doesn’t help to let someone get away with sloppiness and shoddiness.
            Jesus understood that when Peter denied him, he did so more out of weakness than out of malice. He forgave him and gave him the chance to begin again. We all need someone who can understand our weakness and who does not write us off when we produce goods that are less than our best on the first try. 

            My dear friends, the thread which runs right through their relationship was love. Peter knew that Jesus loved him. Love is the climate in which people can grow. This was the rock in Peter’s life. When we love and appreciate people, we give them the opportunity to grow and be their true self in a way that is approving by God.
            We can imagine that Peter made a good leader. A leader has to be aware of their own weaknesses. This experience of denying Jesus rid Peter of pride and blind reliance on his own resources. At the same time it enabled him to understand the weakness of others.
            Peter’s story is our story too. Sometimes we are strong, and other times we are weak. Without a warm relationship with Christ and each other, we are only on the fringe of our Christian Faith. We are like someone talking about love compared with someone who is in love.

This week, I challenge you to demand more of yourself, like Jesus did for Peter; to challenge each other to remain understanding of your neighbors’ weaknesses, faults, and mishaps; and to search for God in your everyday responsibilities and remain loyal to Christ, the Son of the Living God.  May God bless you this week and always.

(New Sunday & Holy Day Liturgies By Flor McCarthy, SDB was helpful)