Nice reflection.

What is so unusual about the Gospel?

Before Peter fell to his knees, before they start to haul in the great catch of fish, before he takes instructions from Jesus to go out to deep water, before Jesus taught the crowds, before Jesus asked to be put out into the water, Peter has to allow Jesus in the boat.

Think about it for a moment, your working, you see and hear a big crowd coming towards you. Then the leader of the crowd spots you, looks right at you. What’s your first inclination? Personally, my first reaction would be “I got to get out of here!”

But Peter first stays, then, without any permission, allows Jesus to enter into his personal domain.

That’s not unusual. Really? A hypothetical situation, let’s say you’re sitting at a stoplight going to work, a large crowd is coming towards you, the leader of the crowd grabs the door handle of your car. Natural reaction would be to lock the doors or, better yet, drive away before the leader gets to you.

My point, in Mt 16:15, Jesus asks the Apostles, “…Who do you say that I am?” Peter answers, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” When did God reveal this to Peter? Only God and Peter can answer that question, but I think Peter knew way before most of us think.

Mark