As Catholics, we usually think of Peter as the saint, the first Pope, the one whom Jesus entrusted with the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, the rock on whom the Church was built. The basilica that bears his name sits at the center of Rome, in Vatican City. Yet, Scripture passages such as today's gospel show us a more headstrong and human side of Peter, one who was far from a perfect disciple. In today's gospel passage, Peter could not accept the fate Jesus foretold for himself. In fact, Peter rebuked Jesus when he predicted he would suffer and die. Peter, like countless others, was expecting a Messiah who would be a powerful religious and military leader, who would rise up, unite the people, and overthrow the yoke of Roman occupation. He was not expecting a Messiah who would willingly surrender his own life - be subjected to a shameful passion and death.
That is what some might call impertinent. Jesus calls him Satan as he declares, “Get behind me, Satan.” That sounds pretty harsh considering that Peter had just declared his faith in Jesus. When asked by Jesus, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter had answered without hesitation, “You are the Christ, the Messiah.” But Peter's words - as faithfilled as they might be - still demonstrated a lack of understanding of what was happening around him. He innocently wanted to stop the plan of salvation that was in motion, thinking that he knew a better way.
Luckily for Peter - and for all of us - perfection is not a qualification for discipleship. What
are the necessary qualifications? To have faith and to follow Jesus’ commands. This entails denying one’s self, taking up one's cross and losing one's life for the sake of Jesus and the gospel. These are the works without which faith is dead.
Like Peter, we are not perfect disciples, and God knows this. Though we have faith, sometimes we think first of what we want - what feels good and safe - rather than thinking of what God wants. But if we go our own way rather than God’s, we risk becoming a mouthpiece for the things of the world and its earthly values; and the self-serving life we tried to save we will lose. Even if we are unsure of exactly what God is asking of us, or if it seems risky and uncertain, God invites us to trust. If we just get behind Jesus, he will guide us. Jesus will teach us what to do and how to follow him.
God is near, upholding us. He is our help, present to us in his Word and in the Eucharist. Nourished by these, we can set our faces like flint and not turn back, even as we confront opposition. The Lord will save us as we follow him in faith.