From today’s Scripture: “Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, ‘God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.’ He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.’” — Mt 16:22-23

This exchange between Peter and Jesus is one of the reasons Peter is my favorite saint. For every step Peter takes forward, he seems to fall back two. Earlier in chapter 16, Jesus had just named Peter as the rock upon which he will build his church. Peter must be feeling pretty good and then all of sudden, Jesus pulls the rug out from under him by explaining he must go to Jerusalem and suffer. When Peter rebukes Jesus, he is a different kind of “rock” — an obstacle, a stone in Jesus’ path, which causes him to stumble. It’s another example of Peter’s weakness — remember his walk on water when he loses faith and slowly sinks, or his denial of Jesus during the passion. And yet, despite all these stumbles, Jesus continues to work with Peter to strengthen him to the point that he becomes the leader of the Church and eventually dies a martyr. Peter’s growth should help all Christians realize that Jesus will never abandon us no matter what we do.

Let us pray: Dear Jesus, it’s easy to see and love you in the beautiful churches and when things are easy. Help me to recognize you in pain, loss, and insecurity.

Today’s author is Mike Schneider, Glenmary’s former treasurer and chief administrator.

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