The Symbol of Saint Peter: Living towards a Higher Order

Much attention has been given to the question of the meaning of life, philosophers for millennia asking, does life have a divine, abstract meaning? What is the teleology of the universe? What is the purpose of human existence? Are there meta-narratives that inform our reality?  While I do believe these questions to be incredibly important, and worthwhile to investigate, what is lost is applicability. What good is this philosophical speculation if it does not inform us on how to live our lives, or chiefly, what to live for. 

Modern man has been inundated with messages telling him to live for himself, do whatever he pleases as long as it harms no other, and to create meaning for himself. Though this may sound empowering, self-affirming, and as if an invitation to explore the human experience on his terms, the reality is quite the opposite. This so-called freedom is a profound disordering of his life, wherein the greatest end he can pursue is himself. He acts on his desires, pursuing only his pleasure, giving in to every vice offered him, and living subservient to the passions of the flesh. Even when he tries to be principled, to live well, or even to benefit his neighbours, ultimately, he only does so in self-service. 

What then is the proper structure of human behavior? How can one live ordered towards a higher good? The answer is given to us in the Gospel, particularly in the life of St. Peter, though he is the rock on which the Christian faith rests, the foundation is not on his own merit. To illustrate the symbolism of Peter, I will be using Matthew chapter 16. In this chapter, a duality is presented, two ways of living which are irreconcilable - living ordered towards the highest Good, and living ordered towards man. 

“He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” 

Matt. 16:15-18.

In this passage we see existence ordered towards the highest good, as well as its implications. When asked who Christ is, Peter gives his profession of faith, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” A beautiful, simple exposition of Christology, and a statement illustrative of his faith. However, it is quickly noted that it is not from him, it is not of the flesh or of man, rather it was revealed unto him. This is crucial symbolically as it is prescriptive of how man must operate, as a reflection of divine, transcendent realities, ordered towards the highest good, God. And the consequence of this action, this profession of faith, was Peter’s appointment as the Prince of the Disciples, the Rock of the Church, giving him the keys to the kingdom of heaven. 

“From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”

Matt. 16:21-23

In the immediate wake of Peter’s profession, and his appointment, the opposite side of the duality manifests itself, the capacity of man to live ordered towards the flesh. Upon learning of Christ’s coming tribulation, death, and resurrection, Peter speaks up, rebuking Christ. He rebels against the will and plan of God, no longer living subservient to the highest Good, but acting on what he believes to be right. This rebellion by Peter is addressed by Christ, who reveals its true nature. He says, “Get behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.” So soon after his appointment as the Rock of the Church, Peter is called Satan, showing the disaster of a disordered life. 

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”

Matt. 16:24-27

We must then live ordered towards the highest Good, submitting our lives fully to the work and plan of God. Taking up our cross means to live radically in our adherence to divine principles, loving one another as Christ loves us, and to die daily to our own desires. As the prophet says in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14:  “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”