These scriptural reflections by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok are copyrighted, but you are free to reproduce them for your own noncommercial personal or church use. Other uses require permission of the author, who may be reached at revsandyb@aol.com.

"One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter)." John 1:40-42

I love the gospels because they offer insights about average people sharing their life journeys with others. This is a great story. John the Baptist had quite a ripple effect. Perhaps we can learn from this. People actually listen to us and act on what we say and do. Obviously Andrew listened closely to John the Baptist's teachings. He immediately searched for his impulsive brother named Simon, jumping up and down in his excitement.

'Simon,' he said, 'we have found The Messiah!' Simon was another God seeker. He was full of holy longings and yearned for a deeper and more satisfying life. Perhaps his brother, Andy, was right. So Simon decided to take a chance with God, based on his brother's insistence.

He met Jesus and his life changed forever. Jesus looked deeply at him, his gaze penetrating Simon's soul, before giving him a new name. You are to be called Cephas. Peter. The Greek word, Petros, means Rock. The Aramaic equivalent, Kephas, appears in this verse.

What images come to mind with a rock? Some would suggest a meaning that focuses primarily on durability and permanence. It could be a solid rock foundation where a house could be sturdily built. But in certain languages, rock can suggest special connotations, such as "incurably stubborn" or "difficult to deal with." But most commentators agree that the use of the name Petros is a reference to Simon Peter's character in a positive sense.

For several years I enjoyed walking a simple outdoor labyrinth that I had built out of ordinary materials such as sticks and stones (http://soulfoodministry.org/sc_root.htm#labyrinths). The simple winding path helped me become centered and focused, and quickly became a cherished part of my daily prayer walk. As time went on, I found myself bringing home seashells and small stones from vacations and special trips. They became welcomed additions to the labyrinth and brought many cherished memories to mind and heart.

While treated to a particular trip on the wonderful Oregon coast, I had enjoyed hours of walking the fabulous coastline. Several rocks from the beach had found their way to the yard labyrinth. Over several months I was astonished and disappointed to see them crumble into dust and fragments. When they were removed from the coast humidity and moisture, they dried out and lost their durability and beauty. What had seemed strong and dependable in reality had crumbled quickly.

Peter was destined to become a great leader in the Christian Church (Matthew 16:16). He passionately followed Jesus. His life will offer us many lessons about spiritual greatness through failure and fear. We will find him stubborn and impulsive, big hearted and generous. But when Jesus would most needed him, he would crumble like dust.

Watch Peter's spiritual formation closely (John 1:42; 6:68; 13:6-9; 18:11; 21:15-22). Perhaps you will want to read his contributions to the New Testament, found in the books known as 1st and 2nd Peter. His spiritual insights are life changing. His mistakes give us hope. He was quite fallible. When he fell on his face, he fell hard. When he understood what Jesus was talking about, he was brilliant. When others hid in the safety of the boat during a tempest, he alone was willing to risk walking on water towards his spiritual leader.

Prayer: Reality is rocky, God. Teach us lessons in life through Peter. Amen.