Jesus In Pursuit Of Simon Peter

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n today's Gospel reading, we witness the beginning of a relationship that will change the course of history: the gradual attraction of Peter to Jesus. This is not a sudden conversion but a journey of discovery, one that mirrors our own paths to deeper faith in Jesus, albeit with a twist.

There are three stages. The very first encounter of Simon Peter with Jesus is found in yesterday’s Gospel reading (Lk 4:38-44). We see Jesus healing Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. This is the first time Peter, then known as Simon, experiences the power of Jesus firsthand. Imagine Peter's amazement. He has likely heard rumors about this wandering teacher and healer. But now, Jesus enters Peter’s home, sees his need, and heals someone he loves. This moment must have left Peter with questions and curiosity. Who is this man with such authority, who can command even sickness to flee?

This encounter plants the seed of attraction in Peter’s heart. He is not yet fully committed to following Jesus, but something has changed. Jesus has entered his life, and things cannot remain business as usual.

The second chapter in Peter's journey takes place at the shores of the Sea of Galilee, where he and his companions are washing their nets after a long and unproductive night of fishing. They are tired and discouraged. Then, Jesus comes and asks Peter to put out into deep water for a catch.

Peter’s response is telling. He addresses Jesus as "Master" and expresses his doubt: "We have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets" (Lk 5:5). Peter respects Jesus, perhaps out of politeness, but he is still unsure. He has experienced a small miracle before, but now Jesus is asking him to take a leap of faith, to go beyond what he knows.

What happens next is extraordinary. The miraculous catch of fish overwhelms Peter. His reaction is one of awe and humility: “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” (Lk 5:8). Peter realizes he is in the presence of someone far greater than he ever imagined. In this moment, he begins to see Jesus not just as a healer or teacher, but as the Lord—someone who knows his inner doubts, his weariness, and even his sinfulness, and yet still calls him.

This brings me to my third point. We might think the first two stages belong to Peter alone. Peter is amazed because of what Jesus does, Peter is curious about Jesus, or Peter is attracted gradually to Jesus. But upon second thought, there is a twist and the opposite is true. It is Jesus who has been moving toward Peter, desiring him like a "persistent observer"—first to cure his mother-in-law, then next to be intimate with him in the guise of borrowing his fishing boat.

This shows that Christ is the one who desires a personal and loving relationship with Peter from the beginning. It is Jesus who initiates, who makes the first move, demonstrating that He sees something in Peter even before Peter understands it himself. There is no stopping him. Jesus comes into Peter’s world, meets him in his everyday life, and calls him to something deeper, something beyond what Peter could have imagined.

From the start, Jesus saw beyond Peter's rough appearance and recognized him as the rock on which He would build His Church. Peter's impulsive behavior, putting his foot in his mouth or saying something embarrassing or inappropriate, often without thinking, and then regretting it.

Jesus did not need Peter, but He loved him. He desired Peter to be His companion in joy, sorrow, and, ultimately, in His glory. This is the same intimacy that Christ seeks with each of us. Just as He called Peter by name, like a divine sculptor looking through rough surfaces, He calls each of us, in order to mold us, not through our own strength, but the Lord's. And like Peter, we are invited into a friendship that will lift us up from our failings into the persons He desires us to be.

Jesus’ gentle and patient relationship with Peter shows us the tender heart of the Lord. He doesn't look for perfect followers but for those of us, like Peter, who want to know Him more clearly, to love Him more dearly, and to follow Him more nearly, even with all our weaknesses and despite our failures. Amen. Fr JM Manzano SJ