Weekly Gospel reflection by Beth

Peter is impetuous. I can imagine his life before Jesus, sitting on his boat with his brother Andrew as they fished. Peter might have impatiently twisted ropes in his calloused hands or burst out in frustration at a peaceful moment, exclaiming his impatience at having to sit and wait – a skill all fishermen must master. Sometimes his impulsive nature might have brought him success in the markets – a bargain in trading goods or a few extra coins from a hungry Roman soldier – but oftentimes with impulsive personalities Peter might’ve found himself fuming at the repercussions of opening his big mouth once again. Maybe he bickered with a potential customer for his catch of the day, or told off someone trying to get a better price. Ironically, Peter’s birth name “Simon” means “to listen” in Hebrew, something he was pretty terrible at. Imagine his wonder, then, when Jesus christens him “Peter” – another challenging name for the man whose new name means “Rock.” Can a man of thundering outbursts truly be seen as the future stable “rock” of the faith?