St. Peter’s Basilica: the largest church in the world. Located in Vatican City, it is situated over the spot where the apostle Peter is said to have been buried. The massive expanse of the interior with its 150-foot ceiling takes your breath away. Every inch is covered with ornate gold and marble embellishments, detailed mosaics, and beautiful sculptures, including Michelagelo’s Pieta.
Last week, with my students on their senior trip, I stood gazing at this incredible man-made work of beauty in awe and amazement. For four centuries it has stood as a spiritual center, a mark of church significance, all done as a tribute to the apostle Peter.
Peter. A man who deliberately and defiantly rejected Jesus. How could this remarkable structure be named after such a guy?
On the night of Jesus’s arrest, when questioned about whether he knew Jesus, Peter didn’t just give a casual no. He denied knowing Jesus wholeheartedly with an oath. In that day, an oath was a serious declaration that bound a person to their word under divine authority. And Peter didn’t give this answer just once, but three separate times. He had a chance to rethink things, but he did not. The third time he was questioned, he “began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, ‘I do not know the man.’” This was harsh denial. Denial of knowing a man who had become his closest friend, his loyal companion. A man who performed miracles in front of his eyes. A man whom he had confidently proclaimed to be “Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16) This man he vehemently rejected.
How could one of the biggest and most beautiful churches in the world be built in honor of him?
Because Peter’s story doesn’t end at this terrible moment. Peter ends up crying bitterly when he realizes what he has done. After Jesus is resurrected, He commands Peter three times to feed His sheep. Peter becomes a leader of the apostles, preaching at Pentecost, performing healings and miracles, and paving the way for the gospel to be spread to the Gentiles. He is instrumental in founding and strengthening the early church. What an amazing story of redemption.
I am thankful for this reminder of how Jesus can redeem our failures and our shortcomings. We may be strapped with guilt for things that have happened in the past. We may feel like at times we let God down. We may think that we are too broken to be used by God.
But how wrong we are. God can and will work through our faults and failures. When we are repentant, He can bring the most beautiful things out of our mistakes and our sin.
St.Peter’s Basilica stands as living proof.
“For with the Lord there is lovingkindness, and with Him there is abundant redemption.” Psalm 130:7
I love that quote from the Psalms. What a great way to convey God’s grace! Keep being awesome!