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Many years ago during a group discussion on the apostles, someone said, “Peter was an oddball”. We all laughed, but there is some truth to that statement.
In the Gospel of Luke, Peter is quoted as saying “Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death” (Luke 22:33). Later in that same chapter, Peter denies that he knows Jesus, three times before the cock crows (Luke 22:61). Peter was the sort of person who acted first, and then thought about it later. In the Garden of Gethsemane, when officers of the chief priests went to arrest Jesus, Peter “having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear” ( John 18:10). But Jesus rebuked him. In Matthew, Jesus says “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew16:18). Five verses later, Jesus rebukes him (Matthew 16:23). And in the Book of Acts, Peter argues with God (Acts 10:10-16). And yet this Peter went on to become what we Catholics believe to be the cornerstone of the Church; a leader of men, filled with the Holy Spirit and performing miracles in the name of Christ. He cured a man who was lame from birth (Acts 3:6), healed a man who had suffered from palsy for eight years (Acts 9:34), and raised the dead (Acts 9:40). And in Peter, oddballs like myself find hope. For all that he was far from perfection, he was still someone that God found useful. For all that he was headstrong, there was still a purpose in life for him. And for all that he was only a fisherman, unlearned and ignorant (Acts 4:13), he was someone who spoke up for Christ. There is much to learn from Peter, and a quick search of the Internet for “Simon Peter” leads one to some marvelous sites. There used to be a site called Biblepath.com, for example, which gave a summary of Peter’s life. Did you know that Peter was crucified upside down? Another site is the Catholic Encyclopedia at newadvent.org where St. Peter is described as the Prince of the Apostles (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11744a.htm) as well as being of irresolute character. “Rash alike in word and act, he is full of zeal and enthusiasm, though momentarily easily accessible to external influences and intimidated by difficulties”. What was it that made Peter stand out from the other apostles? How was he different from the other eleven? The Catholic Encyclopedia site says “Though of irresolute character, he clings with the greatest fidelity, firmness of faith, and inward love to the Saviour”. These are qualities to be desired, indeed. After the Ascension, Peter didn’t care what people thought about him. His only desire was to spread God’s word, even if it led to imprisonment and death. Peter the oddball – what a wonderful example he is to me, and hopefully to you too. Published: April 16th, 2006 My Sunday Examiner Articles
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