Growing in Faith like Peter

 

St Peter, holding the keys to the kingdom

In the various stories associated with Jesus’ disciple Simon-Peter, we observe a most sincere disciple, imperfectly growing towards perfect Faith, and the herculean challenge which accompanies growing into that Faith. 

What is faith? As an idea, faith often remains abstract or hard to fathom if we don't already possess at least a little. As an experience, it is the simple realization of God’s presence in our life. Yogananda said that “Faith means total trust - intuitive knowing, from the soul, that God is real and that his help is ever ready to flow into man’s life.” 

Peter's life reveals a universal template for growing in faith: in the first meeting of Master and Disciple at the Sea of Galilee, in the loyalty and sincerity of two Souls uniting in true friendship, in the colossal challenges and frequent shortcomings along the way, and in the ultimate transcendence of one who no longer doubts nor thwarts God's presence and will in their life. 

--------

In one instance, after departing from the ridiculing Pharisees of Magdala, Jesus gathered his disciples and asked them, (as they were no doubt considering the various perceptions of their Master among the 'religious' men), “Who do men say that I am?”

Of the disciples, it was Simon-Peter who answered him in the spirit: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Recognizing the pure receptivity of Simon, Jesus made the bold statement before them, “Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jonah…thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church… and I will give unto thee keys of the kingdom of heaven..” Mark 13:15-29

Were the story of Peter to end here, one would be inclined to think it was easy fishing from here on for brother Peter. Yet, "God disciplines those he Loves, as a father his son.." proverbs 3:11; Peter's faith was not yet full, and so there was much work still to be done.

---------

It was also Peter, among the disciples aboard a ship at sea, who stepped off the boat towards his Master who walked towards them on the water. Though initially Peter also stood, he soon sank when he considered the immediacy of the stormy weather.  “Lord, save me,” he begged. Jesus stretched forth his hand, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” Matthew 14:31

Peter indeed sank in the water from his doubt. And yet, of all the disciples, it was he who took the step. For that initial moment, he had stood on the water, from his growing and pure faith in the Master. 

--------------

During the last supper in which Jesus had gathered the 12 disciples unto Him, He prepared them for the coming crucifixion - and warned them of their own ensuing abandonment of Him. Peter especially, vowed that he would never deny Jesus, even if it cost him his own life. Jesus replied to Peter, “that this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.” Matthew 26:34. And indeed, this came to pass. 

What a painful plight it must have been for Peter that morning. One that we all have known, or must yet come to face, when we do not rise up to the highest version of our Self. To have seen the Master taken and to then witness his condition in the hands of those who had come to defame and harm Him. And to have not yet attained the total faith and surrender required to stand by Him. 

-------

These stories of Peter are like priceless pearls of the universal Path of Faith, which rise up eternally through the sands of time, at each stage of spiritual unfoldment. The above are but a few of many of the stories which are shared of Peter's life and growth as a disciple of Christ.

From Peter’s first initial meeting of Jesus while fishing in the sea, which awoke in him the potential of a new found faith in the Messiah having come to meet him; to the bestowing of the title of “Peter, the rock" for his faith and openness to the role of the Master in his life; to the various shortcomings and crisis points, which every devotee is destined to encounter along the way to perfect Faith - Those tests which must be overcome, and the karma which must be released, in order to no longer doubt or live in selfishness, and to ultimately dedicate one's life entirely to "total trust" in God’s presence, here and now.

--------

In Peter’s final chapter, after a lifetime of sharing the way of the Christ to all who would listen, tradition teaches that Peter was in the process of retreating from Rome, to avoid his execution. On the way out, he encountered his risen Master Jesus going towards the city. He asked him, “Where are you going, Lord?” Such meek, heart-rending words from the disciple. Jesus responded, “I am going to Rome, to be crucified again.” This jolts Peter, and strengthens him in his Faith. He turns back towards the city, and walks into his own impending crucifixion. 

To arrive at a place of perfect acceptance and trust, even unto death, is the ultimate path of every Soul. It takes every bit of surrender we can muster, and every ounce of grace which He will provide. The surrender which turned Peter back again towards the gates of Rome to do His will, and the grace which brought Jesus again to Peter, to give him one final push to finish his climb up the 'hill of Golgotha'. Peter's final mile of Faith, still being tested.

In all of the struggles and victories of his life-story, Peter reveals the way of becoming a Christ disciple - even now and for each of us, nearly 2,000 years later.

No matter what our state of faith may have been this week, this year, this lifetime - how seemingly present or absent we have been in our lived faith-experience - let us take up our faith anew this day. That by holding onto total trust for God in this, my own life, we may awaken fully to experience His eternal presence always and in all ways. May your Faith be made whole, just like Peter.