Becoming a Disciple
Biography Courtesy: Catholic.org and EWTN
Peter was from Bethsaida (John 1:44). Before meeting Jesus, Peter was called Simon, and he worked as a fisherman with his brother Andrew (Matthew 4:18, Mark 1:16, Luke 5:1-11). When Jesus walked along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew casting their nets into the water. Jesus told them, "Come and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately, Simon and Andrew dropped their nets and became His disciples (Matthew 4:19, Mark 1:17-18, Luke 5:1-11).
The Rock and the Keys of Heaven
Jesus provided Simon with a new name: Cephas, " the rock" (Matthew 16:16-18, John 1:42). Peter was the disciple who recognized Jesus as " the Messiah, the son of the living God” (Matthew 16:15-16, Mark 8:29, Luke 9:20). After Peter proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah, He told Peter, "You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church (Matthew 16:13-19, John 21:15-17). Jesus also told Peter: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:19) .
Peter in the New Testament
Peter was present with Jesus at several key events described in the New Testament including: the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-2, Mark 9:2-3, Luke 9:28-29), the raising of Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:35-43, Luke 9:28-29), and the Agony of the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42). Peter was also the apostle who walked on water to meet the Lord, but began to sink when his faith faltered (Matthew 14:28-33).
Role in the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus
Peter played a major role in the Passion of Jesus. At the Last Supper, Jesus predicted Peter would deny Him three times before the cock crowed (Luke 22:33-34). Peter, James, and John were were with Jesus in the Garden of Gethesmane (Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42). When Jesus was arrested, Peter severed the right ear of a slave of the high priest Malchus (John 18:10). Just as the Lord predicted, Peter did deny Jesus three times during the Passion. After denying the Lord, Peter “went out and began to weep bitterly” (Matthew 26:69-75, Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:54-62).
After the Resurrection, Peter ran to the empty tomb with the other disciple that Jesus loved (John 20:2-10). Peter was the first disciple to view the Risen Christ at the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-3). Jesus also charged Peter to lead the new Church and “Feed my lambs.... Tend my sheep.... Feed my sheep” (Matthew 16:13-19, John 21:15-17).
Role in the Early Church
Immediately after the Ascension, Peter served as the head of the Apostles. Peter appointed the replacement of Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:15-26). Peter spoke to the corwds that assembled during the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and he was the first Apostle to perform miracles in the name of the Jesus (Acts 3:1-10). Peter was nicknamed the "Apostle to the Jews" (Galatians 2:7), and he was instrumental in delivering the Gospel to the Gentiles. At the Council of Jerusalem, he pledged support to preaching to the Gentiles; thus, the new Church became universal. He was imprisoned by King Herod Agrippa, but an angel helped him escape. Peter brought the Good News to people in Jerusalem, Antioch, Corith, and Rome (Acts).
Martyr
Peter was martyred in Rome during the reign of Emperor Nero between 64 and 66 AD. According to tradition, Peter was crucified on the Vatican Hill upside down. Peter declared himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus. He was buried on Vatican Hill, and excavations under St. Peter’s Basilica have unearthed his probable tomb. St. Peter's relics are enshrined undre the high altar of St. Peter's Basilica.
First Pope
Peter is recognized as the Prince of the Apostles, and he served as the first Pope. His successors provide leadership over the entire Roman Catholic Church.
Feast Day and Symbols
St. Peter’s chief feast day is June 29. However, he is also honored on February 22 and November 18. In liturgical art, Peter is depicted as an elderly man holding a key and a book. Symbols of St. Peter include an inverted cross, a boat, and the cock.
Prayer to St. Peter
Prayer Courtesy: Catholic.org
O glorious Saint Peter, who, in return for thy strong and generous faith, thy profound and sincere humility, and they burning love, wast rewarded by Jesus Christ with singular privileges, and, in particular, with the leadership of the other Apostles and the primacy of the whole Church, of which thou wast made the foundation stone, do thou obtain for us the grace of a lively faith, that shall not fear to profess itself openly, in its entirety and in all of its manifestations, even to the shedding of blood, if occasion should demand it, and to sacrifice of life itself rather than surrender. Obtain for us likewise, a sincere loyalty to our holy mother, the Church; grant that we may ever remain most closely and sincerely united to the Roman Pontiff, who is the heir of thy faith and of thy authority, the one, true, visible Head of the Catholic Church, that mystic ark outside of which there is no salvation. Grant, moreover, that we may follow, in all humility and meekness, her teaching and her advice, and may be obedient to all her precepts, in order to be able here on earth to enjoy a peace that is sure and undisturbed, and to attain one day in heaven to everlasting happiness. Amen.
V. Pray for us, Saint Peter the Apostle,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let Us Pray
O God, who hast given unto Thy blessed Apostle Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven, and the power to bind and loose: grant that we may be delivered, through the help of this intercession, from the slavery of all our sins: Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.