👉🏾👉🏾👉🏾The Ministry of #Apostle #Saint #Peter
Dear brethren beloved of God, peace be upon you. Let us now consider, in reverence and depth, the sacred and glorious ministry of the blessed Apostle Saint Peter. Let our souls be set aflame by his example, and our faith be strengthened through the knowledge of his life. For he who was once a simple fisherman became a rock upon which Christ founded His Church; he who once trembled before a maidservant was strengthened to face tyrants and martyrs' death. Let us unfold this holy narrative with godly reverence.
1. The Humble Beginnings of a Chosen Vessel
Saint Peter, born by the shores of the Sea of Galilee called also the Sea of Gennesaret and the Sea of Tiberias was of the tribe of Reuben. His father's name was Jonah, and his mother's name was Simon. Thus, according to the custom of the Hebrews, he was named Simon, after his mother.
A child of labor and simplicity, he grew up in Capernaum where he was taught the Torah in the synagogue. Like his father, a fisherman by trade, he labored with nets and boats. He married a woman named Concordia (Perpetua), settled in his father’s house, and lived the ordinary life of a Galilean tradesman until grace found him.
2. His First Encounter with the Messiah
His brother Andrew, a disciple of Saint John the Baptist, first heard the proclamation, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1). Without delay, Andrew brought Simon to Christ and declared, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:42).
Upon seeing Simon, our Lord immediately said, *“You are Simon son of Jonah; you shall be called Cephas” which is interpreted Peter, the rock. This was not merely a change of name, but a divine prophecy of what this man would become. From the mouth of God, the destiny of a simple man was sealed.
3. The Miraculous Catch and the Call to Apostleship
One morning by the Sea of Gennesaret, the multitudes pressed upon Christ. He stepped into Peter’s boat and taught from it. Afterward, He commanded Peter to lower his nets once more. Though they had toiled all night and caught nothing, Peter obeyed. What followed was a miracle: nets overflowing with fish.
Overwhelmed, Saint Peter fell at the feet of the Lord, crying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man” (Luke 5:8). The Church Fathers saw in this moment Peter’s profound humility. He who saw the mastery of Christ over creation was struck not with pride, but with a contrite spirit.
Yet Christ said to him, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be a fisher of men.” And immediately, Peter left everything his wife, his trade, his household and followed the Lord (Luke 5:1-11). What worldly man does such a thing except he who has been pierced by divine love?
Continues 👇🏾