The Apostles played a very special role in God's design for our salvation. They were the link between the crucified and risen Jesus and the Church of the first and every succeeding generation.

Among the Apostles, Peter had a special mission, which we celebrate today. He was an elder and shepherd, like other elders and shepherds. But he was also the Rock on which the Church was built. The Jews used the image of "rock" for Abraham and Peter's role as the Rock of the Church reveals him as a new Abraham. Both Abraham and Peter experienced human weakness, but both were finally men of faith. Peter was faithful unto death, even to a martyr's death.

Abraham was faithful, because God was faith. Peter's fidelity was not of his own making. The entrance antiphon for today's celebration reveals the source of his fidelity and strength: the prayer of Jesus, "I have prayed that your faith may not fail." Peter was weak at times, but he was taken up into the prayer of Jesus, and he responded to the graces offered him.