“Nearly all that we call human history is the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.” (C.S. Lewis).
Tradition explains how Saint Peter was martyred…
The Roman Emperor Nero was killing Christians in terrible terrible ways. Saint Simon Peter was with his disciples, and his disciples urged him to flee, because they knew that he was in danger of execution.
Peter initially complied and started to make his way to the gates of the city of Rome undetected. However, on his way, Christ appeared to him. When Saint Peter saw Christ before him, he asked God the Son, “Quo vadis, Domine?”, which means “Where are you going, Lord?” And Christ responded, “I am going to Rome to be crucified again.”
Upon hearing those words, Saint Peter understood that Christ was telling him that he was to return to Rome and allow Nero to crucify him. And so, Saint Peter returned to Rome, was arrested by the soldiers of Nero and was crucified – upside-down at his own request because he felt inferior to his Lord and Master, Christ, who had been crucified in an upright position.
And Christ knew that this day would come for Saint Peter, because after His resurrection, He told the Saint “‘Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.’ Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then He said to him, ‘Follow me!’” (John 21:18-19).
And I have been reflecting on that today, because when Saint Peter was afraid and lost his way and so was in danger of failing to do the Will of God and glorify God through his death, God Himself, reminded Peter and strengthened him so that he would know what to do.
You see, the British writer and theologian, C.S. Lewis wrote, “nearly all that we call human history is the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.” And I have been reflecting on that as I have been reflecting on the story of Saint Simon Peter. You see, it was no easy thing for Saint Simon Peter to turn around that day. He must have been terrified. Nobody wants to face their death and a painful, tortuous and public agony hold very little attraction for even the hardiest of Saints. And yet – right there – with freedom just a stone’s-throw away – Saint Peter turned his back on the physical safety of the countryside surrounding Rome, and turned back to the brutal martyrdom that was surely awaiting him.
And when I think about why, it is obvious… You see, all the freedom in the world is completely empty if it were gained without following the Holy Will of God. It is the Will of God and completing it that gives us true freedom. Everything else is just “the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.” (C.S. Lewis).
For with prayer, I stand on Holy Ground where everything is clear. Here. At the Foot of the Cross.