What’s that they say about goals?  “Shoot for the moon.  Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”  Norman Vincent Peale

Recently I have been thinking about the significance of St. Peter.  The first disciple called on by Jesus, who would then become the first Pope.    

A self-proclaimed “sinful man” at their first interaction.  Peter was a fisherman, most likely uneducated and rough around the edges in a multitude of ways.  Yet, Jesus calls, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”  Luke 5:10.    Fish for people?  Catch souls?  Oh Jesus, your clever wit is not wasted on this writer! 

Ironically, the legacy of Peter’s discipleship with Jesus rests in his mistakes.  He faltered on the rough sea, denied Jesus 3 times, and chose brutality over peace when he cut off the soldier’s ear. 

Yet St. Peter is said to have been imperfectly perfect.  Born Simon, the son of John, Jesus named him “Peter” meaning “rock.”  During his discipleship he strove to imitate Jesus (albeit often falling short).  It is said that Jesus chose Peter to take care of His “flock” because of his imperfections.  He was relatable and although he stumbled in his faith, Jesus always restored and forgave him.  And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good redemption story?      

One of my favorite notes about Jesus and Peter is the full circle that takes place.  Upon meeting, Jesus tells Peter to “follow me,” then again after His resurrection, His last recorded words to Peter are “follow me.”  Talk about a mic drop for Jesus. 

From the day he was called from his nets along the Sea of Galilee to his fateful upside crucifixion in Rome 64 A.D., St. Peter worked as an imitator of Christ.  Not that a human man would ever be able to replicate the incarnation of our God, but what happened when he aimed for that goal?  Some might say he landed among the stars.  Spokesman of the apostles, ambassador of the Catholic church, Vicar of Christ.  Not too shabby Peter, not too shabby at all.  Perhaps more of us need to aim our goals a little higher and see where the power of God’s grace might help us land.