Above is a photo of our first morning in Galilee. We were in the Holy Land the year before the global pandemic. It is hard to believe we took my firstborn to the Land of Jesus. Seeing this photo reminds me how fast our children grow before our eyes.

As I write this post, I am on retreat with the deacons and their wives of the Diocese of Sacramento, preparing to celebrate Sunday Mass with our bishop. As we prepare for the liturgy, I think about the Gospel passage. It focuses on Peter’s relationship with our Lord. This morning, I want to focus on Peter’s life and reflect on its relevance to our lives. Peter was called, witnessed conversion, and made a confession that revolutionized the world.

Our Lord called Peter. In Galilee, as Peter went about his daily life, he met the Rabbi who called him to leave everything and follow him. Here is Matthew’s account:

As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, ‘Come after me and I will make you fishers of men’ (Matthew 4:18-19).

Luke’s account is slightly different. The Rabbi instructs him to cast his net on the other side. The skilled fisherman trusted the word of the Master. After the miraculous catch, Peter is filled with amazement and fear and asks the Master to depart from him. Yet, Jesus gently calls him to follow.

Peter witnessed conversion. Throughout three years in Galilee, Peter saw countless miracles of Jesus. He witnessed the feeding of 5,000 Jews (Matthew 14:13-21) and 4,000 Gentiles (Matthew 15:32-39). He saw Jesus feeding everyone. Jesus performed countless miracles and satisfied many people’s hunger.

Peter witnessed Jesus walk on water. Jesus invited Peter to do the same (Matthew 14:22-33). Peter focused on the Lord’s gaze. As the Lord called his name, perhaps Peter remembered the first invitation to follow him on the shores of Galilee. Peter was distracted by the wind, lost sight of Christ, and began to sink. The Lord was merciful and rescued Peter immediately. He does not stop the storm but saves Peter in its midst.

Call and witness move us to Peter’s confession of faith in the Lord. His love for Jesus is strengthened in his Confession (Matthew 16:13-20). The location of this confession is worth noting: Caesarea Philippi.

Caesarea Philippi is 25 miles north of Galilee at the base of Mount Hermon. It has one of the largest springs that feed the Jordan River. The God Pan was worshipped there—half goat and half man, depicted as playing the flute.

Pan evoked fear; hence the word “panic”. In Caesarea Philippi, Pan was the guardian of the gates of the underworld. In this same place, Jesus tells Peter that he will be the rock and that the gates of hell will never prevail against the Church. Peter will be the primary custodian of the Lord’s Church. Jesus is always the head of his Church, not Peter. Starting from Peter’s confession, Jesus begins the journey to Jerusalem. Peter will follow.

Through Peter’s life, we feel this call to witness and conversion. Remember, Peter made many mistakes, failed to walk on water, and denied Jesus. Yet, Peter repented. Peter was rooted in Jesus, who was forming his love.

At the first Eucharist, we see the Primacy of Peter, who is to “be the custodian of communion with Christ for all time. He must guide people to communion with Christ; he must ensure that the net does not break, and consequently that universal communion endures. Only together can we be with Christ, who is Lord of all” (Pope Benedict XVI, General Audience, June 7, 2006).

Peter reminds me that our Lord will not take away our fears. Jesus will not necessarily calm our inner storms, but if we keep our eyes on him, he remains with us in every season. Jesus awaits our confession, our recognition of him as Lord over our lives. He is patient with us.

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