Pilgrims coming to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome approach the bronze statue of Saint Peter and touch the right toe. It has been worn thin over the centuries! Visitors must believe that if they touch his toe some of his goodness will rub off on them.
Peter was close to Jesus; a friend of Jesus. In spite of all the limitations that Peter possessed … and there were many … Jesus loved him. St. Peter gives us hope! Knowing that like Peter we fail Jesus at times, He never fails to continue loving us.
St. Peter’s words today invite us to be Christ bearers to one another, reaching out to one another, not out of obligation rather out of love and to be merciful and tender with one another. Think about ways you can inspire your family to do the same. Your own selfless actions of love and forgiveness can be a model for them.
St. Peter, may each member of our family live like you, emphatically professing that Jesus was the Son of God.
