You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. ~Matthew 16:18-19
Peter was the disciple whom Jesus renamed. Originally called Simon, he was now named Peter, meaning Rock. At ancient Capernaum, a pilgrim can visit what’s left of the neighborhood where Simon-Peter once lived.
Surprisingly enough, the Franciscans built a spaceship of a sanctuary over the ruins of Peter’s house. The building has a transparent floor so worshippers can view the blackened rocks below.
There’s also a life-sized statue of Peter holding a key. Someone in our group asks me what the key signifies. Because I’m a teacher at heart, I answer with many facts.
Then I catch myself being a preacher rather than a pilgrim, having answers instead of questions. What I want most of all is to have the passion of a disciple. I want to be a rock like Peter.
What could you do today that would be Peter-like?
Prayer: O Lord, make me a rock for you.
This material is adapted from my book, Chasing the Divine in the Holy Land.
The photo shows the author (left) at the Peter statue in Capernaum.
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