Editor’s note: This saint series will feature a saint and how he or she is a meaningful example for us today.

Pope Francis wrote that “the saints help all the faithful” for “their lives are concrete proof that it is possible to put the Gospel into practice.” St. Peter is an example of the faith journey of a Christian.

The main character of the Gospels is Jesus. The secondary figure of the Gospels is St. Peter. The Gospels tell the good news about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. However, in a secondary fashion, the Gospels portray the faith journey of St. Peter.

St. Peter was a fisherman who heard about Jesus from his brother Andrew. Jesus encountered Peter while he was fishing and said to him, “I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). “I will make you” is one of the most powerful lines in all of scripture. A secondary theme found in the Gospels is how Jesus made Peter. Jesus made Peter during two years of public ministry where Peter saw Jesus perform miracles, preach sermons, and raise the dead to life.

On the Sea of Galilee, Peter walked on water toward Jesus, but became frightened and sank saying, “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:29-30). Shortly after, Peter makes his powerful confession at Caesarea Philippi. Jesus asked His apostles “Who do you say that I am?” and Peter responded, “You are the Messiah” (Matthew 16:15-16).

Peter’s lack of faith led to his sinking in the Sea of Galilee; however, at Caesarea Philippi it is Peter’s faith that leads him to call Jesus the Messiah. The path of Peter is a typical path of most Christians: from time to time both sinking in lack of faith and then rising in greater faith. The path of the Christian is one in which faith in Jesus can be up and down.

The Gospel writers portray the faith journey of Peter in incredible detail likely to give hope to all Christians that the first pope also endured challenges.

Here is a quick recap of the ups and downs of St. Peter. Jesus called Peter to follow him. Jesus healed Peter’s sick mother-in-law. Peter witnessed Jesus raise a young girl back to life. Peter sank in the Sea of Galilee due to a lack of faith. Peter, with James and John, witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration. Peter, along with others, fell asleep in the Garden of Gethsemane shortly before Jesus was taken away. Peter cut off the ear of a servant. Peter denied Jesus three times and he did not come to the crucifixion. On the morning of the resurrection, Peter ran to Jesus’ empty tomb. Jesus appeared to Peter on the shore and asked Peter three times, “do you love me?” and Peter responded that he loved Jesus each time. Peter then preached the Gospel, ultimately being martyred in Rome upside down on a cross.

That is the faith journey of the first pope.

The Gospel writers capture the faith journey of the secondary character of St. Peter as experiencing both ups and downs. Remember, Jesus said to Peter, “I will make you.” The ups and downs of the faith journey of the Christian can often be seen in the journey of St. Peter.

In the First Letter of Peter, he wrote, “Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope. (1 Peter 3:15)” St. Peter provides each Christian with hope by his faith journey in allowing Jesus to make him through the ups and downs that he endured.

Pope Francis wrote that “the saints help all the faithful” for “their lives are concrete proof that it is possible to put the Gospel into practice.” St. Peter, the first pope, is an example for each Christian who has experienced the ups and downs in their faith journey to continue to let Jesus make them.

One of the most powerful lines in all of scripture is when Jesus said to Peter, “I will make you.”

Luke Daghir is a deacon for the Diocese of Erie. He is with St. Joseph and St. Luke Parishes in Warren County for his parish mission. His favorite saints are St. Andrew, St. Ignatius, St. Hubert, and Pope St. John Paul II.