Popes+Essay+ML15

You may know St. Peter for many different things, such as being the first pope, denying knowing Jesus three times, or dying on the cross upside down. Have you ever really thought about him? His qualities, why Jesus may have picked him to be the rock, or head of the Church, or how future popes can look to him for reference.

Peter had many different qualities that could be used to describe him. Two very main qualities that come to mind are humility and loyalty. Peter was loyal to Jesus, except for a few times when Peter became doubtful, but that was just becuse he was human and all humans make mistakes. He was also very humble. He was a common fisherman when Jesus first came to him, then, after he was made the first pope and the rock, or the corner stone of the church, he didn't think of himself as all high and mighty. Even when he was put to death to be crucified, he didn't think he was worthy enough to die the same way Jesus did. So he asked to die on the cross upside down.

As you know, Jesus chose Peter to be the cornerstone, or rock of the Church and then to be the head of the church. He chose Peter to become the head because, once Jesus left to go back to heaven, he needed someone to look over his church. Peter was loyal to Jesus, strong, brave and humble. Jesus was close with Peter so he knew that Peter would be able to handle the job. Plus, Jesus and God know everything so they knew Peter would do good as the head of the church.

Sometimes, even popes need guidance. Well, they know that they can always look to Peter if they are having trouble with something. Peter obviously had many problems that he faced, but he made it through while making good decisions, usually. he faced a time when he had doubted God, like when he tried to walk on water or denied knowing Jesus three times. If Popes ever has trouble with God, or go through a time of doubt, they can look to Peter. They can see how he handled it.They can also look to Peter for strength. St. Peter was a fisherman, so you know physically that he was strong. Mentally, St. Peter was also strong. It must have taken great courage and strength to die on the cross, but then also ask them to kill you while you are upside down. You can always look to St. Peter for strength, mental or physical.

So now you have a little bit of a deeper understanding of St. Peter. You know a few qualities about him, about how loyal he was to Jesus and brave enough to preach the word of God even though he knew the consequences. You know that Jesus picked St. Peter to become the head of the Church because he knew that Peter would be able to handle the job and treat it with honor. finally, you know that Popes can look to St. Peter for guidance with making good decisions and trusting God, and he will give you the physical and mental strength that you need.