St. Peter the Apostle- 29 June

 Traditional Anglican calendars set aside the 29th of June as a time to remember and honor the apostle Peter. The significance of Peter's example is beautifully stated in the collect for the day-

O Almighty God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to thy Apostle Saint Peter many excellent gifts, and commandedst him earnestly to feed thy flock; Make, we beseech thee, all Bishops and Pastors diligently to preach thy holy Word, and the people obediently to follow the same, that they may receive the crown of everlasting glory; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Scripture is filled with examples of his importance as a disciple. Despite his weaknesses, Peter was blessed with "many excellent gifts." He was a strong character with good leadership potential. Yet, as the collect indicates, his chief contribution was faithful adherence to the command which he received from the risen Christ- "Feed my sheep" (John 21:16,17). He nourished Christ's flock with the Word, the Gospel of salvation, to the end of his life. 

Let us notice who succeeds Peter in this mission: "all Bishops and Pastors." The clergy continue to feed Christ's sheep with His Word, and the people join by obediently following the Word. So commemorating St. Peter points beyond Peter himself or even beyond particular office holders; it points to the faithfulness of the entire Church to the Word. According to our various callings, may we all be faithful to Christ!