Day 211A: To God on His Behalf

Acts 12:1-11

Since the earliest days of the Church, the faithful have recognized Peter’s authority and unique role. Not only does Luke show that Paul is an apostle by showing that he does the same acts as Peter, but at the Council of Jerusalem, we see Peter make his declaration on the matter “And all the assembly kept silence;” (Acts 15:12). We even see writings from the first two centuries that show Peter has a unique charism among his brother Apostles.

Even in this episode after James the son of Zebedee is killed, the Church fervently prays for Peter’s deliverance and safety. The Church prays for Peter with such fervor because of his role of prince of the Apostles. One can see that this tread continues throughout the centuries. The faithful have always prayed for the successor of Peter following the example of Christ: “I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren,” (Lk 22:32).

“Love and unity: these are the two dimensions of the mission entrusted to Peter by Jesus.”

• Pope Leo XIV

Fulton Sheen said in a broadcast on Saint Peter that Jesus made Peter the first pope, not only for our hope and consolation, but also for those who take up his office, as Matthias took Judas's vacant office. Sheen says John was too perfect and would have been a hard model for anyone to follow without discouragement. However, we see throughout the life of Simon Peter not only his faults and sins, but his reliance on the grace and forgiveness of Christ.

Peter is one of the Disciples and Apostles of whom we know a good amount through the Gospels, Acts, Paul’s letters, and his own letters. We should look to the examples that are presented to us in Scripture. Even if one is not willing to grant that the papacy is foreshadowed in the books of the Old Testament, namely in the Davidic Kingdom Covenant, and in numerous places in the books of the New Testament, one should still be able to look to Peter and desire to follow his example. This is a man who walked with Christ and through he was imperfect, he continued to get up by His grace and sought to be obedient to Him. Those who follow Christ, whether they are figures from the New Testament or Saints from other eras, do not retract from our worship and adoration of Christ, but showcase His glory and show how one would follow Him throughout different periods of history. Let us not be afraid to walk along those who have given their lives entirely to Christ.

Prayer: Lord, we continue to pray for the successor of Peter and for the strength, protection, and mission of Your Church