[NYer]

Fr. Saunders is pastor of Our Lady of Hope Parish in Potomac Falls and a professor of catechetics and theology at Notre Dame Graduate School in Alexandria. If you enjoy reading Fr. Saunders' work, his new book entitled Straight Answers (400 pages) is available at the Pauline Book and Media Center of Arlington, Virginia (703/549-3806).

[NYer]

Ping!

[CouncilofTrent]

I think this thread is going to be hijacked by Protestants. But that's my opinion.

[mike182d]

It amazes me how some people existing 2000 years after the death and resurrection of Christ feel that their opinion on what really happened is somehow more accurate than the opinion of those who lived and lead the Church through the first couple centuries. I mean, how can you legitimately argue against the Church Fathers?

Very excellent post, NYer.

[SaltyJoe]

Ever since Jesus first met Simon son of John, the two have been joking around with each other.

"You are 'Rock,' and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

It's well established that Jesus surfs. Long before Polynesian islanders were stepping on boards in front of a breaking wave, Jesus had walked on water. Jesus also dubbed the first surfing newbie with a surfer name: "Rock". It's a name that describes Simon's surfing style and floating characteristics.

How am I so sure of Jesus' unique sense of humor? Maybe because it takes a mariner to understand how funny it is to be so tired that a simple suggestion for brilliant improvement sounds hilarious.

Picture some fishermen doing back breaking work all night with nothing to show for it. While they're exhausted, some land lubber wants a seafood snack. The idea that casting nets "on the other side" to me comes off as hilarious.

I've been exhausted with barely anything to show for it. I might complain about my being tired to someone I hope would be empathetic to my bruised ego. Instead of their letting me indulge in self-pity, they return a wise crack to make me laugh at myself. It's real blue collar humor.

Equivalent: Isn't it obvious that you didn't catch any fish because you were fishing on the wrong side?

What lends more humor to the story is Simon's willingness to entertain Jesus. He was probably thinking, "Oh, I like this guy. He knows how to bust my ribs and get away with it." And without a second thought, he orders the others to cast their nets...on the other side of the boat.

Miracles are funny. Sometimes they are meant for us to laugh out loud at ourselves especially when we are worried and exhausted.

[dangus]

Let's not forget, either, Peter was reconciled to Jesus. Jesus, "The Good Shepherd," told Peter to "shepherd my sheep." Yes, in Greek, the word used is the same root as "shepherd."

Or that every list of the disciples begins with "Peter, Primus." This can be translated as "Peter first," chronologically, but Peter was NOT first chronologically. Every depiction of the call of the first disciples includes others being called before Peter. No, Peter was the Primate of the early church.

Also, Peter is referred to in the gospels nearly twice as often as all other apostles combined. Luke-Acts goes for twenty chapters mentionning none of the eleven other than with Peter. In several instances, other disciples are depcted even asking Jesus questions through Peter.

[syriacus]

If the early leaders of the Church, Christ's contemporaries, didn't believe Christ established the Papacy, why would they have selected successors to Peter?

[AliVeritas]

Hey fellow NYer, what's up. Listen to this:
http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/resolve.asp?rafile=iq_3879.ra

Here's some references...you need more, holler.
Peace of Christ! Ciao.

Mt 10:1-4; Mk 3:16-19; Lk 6:14-16; Acts 1:13; Lk 9:32 ... Peter always mentioned first, as foremost apostle.
Mt 18:21; Mk 8:29; Lk 12:41; Jn 6:69 ... Peter speaks for the apostles.
Acts 2:14-40 ... Pentecost: Peter who first preached.
Acts 3:6-7 ... Peter worked first healing.
Acts 10:46-48 ... Gentiles to be baptized revealed to Peter.
Jn 1:42 ... Simon is Cephas (Aramaic: Kepha for rock).
Mt 16:18-19 ... "on this Rock ... keys ... bind ... loose"
Is 22:22; Rev 1:18 ... keys as symbol of authority.
Jn 21:17 ... "feed my sheep" (Very important)
Lk 22:31-32 ... "Simon ... strengthen your brethren".
(Also very important, addresses him directly)
Lk 10:1-2, 16; Jn 13:20; 2 Cor 5:20; Gal 4:14; Acts 5:1-5 ... "vicars" (substitutes) of Christ.
Mk 6:20; Lk 1:70,2:23; Rom 12:1; Act 3:21, 1 Cor 7:14; Eph 3:5; Col 1:22 ... humans can be holy ("call no one holy").

Also: http://www.aculink.net/~catholic/prim.htm

[Salvation]

Saint Peter and the Vatican, the Legacy of the Popes

Saint Peter and The Vatican - Legacy of the Popes

FEBRUARY 22, CHAIR OF PETER, APOSTLE

[Salvation]

Christ's Charge to Peter

Raphael
1515-16