Let’s begin with a quote from a sermon by St. Augustine: “Both apostles share the same feast day, for these two were one; and even though they suffered on different days, they were as one. Peter went first, and Paul followed. And so we celebrate this day made holy for us by the apostles’ blood. Let us embrace what they believed, their life, their labors, their sufferings, their preaching, and their confession of faith.”
“Then Peter recovered his senses and said, ‘Now I know for certain that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people had been expecting.” It is clear throughout the New Testament that Peter is first among the Apostles and their leader. He was chosen by Jesus to have a special relationship with him on several levels. St. Peter was privileged to witness the awesome mystery of the powerful Transfiguration, which sought to prepare the early Church for the scandal of the suffering and horrible death of Jesus by the crucifixion. His mother-in-law was cured by Jesus and his name appears more than 100 times in the New Testament, with St. John in a distant second place with nearly 30 mentions. “The angel of the Lord will rescue those who fear him.”
Although the impetuous and impulsive Peter is seemingly close to the edge of belief and doubt, his place in Church History, Scriptural Theology, and Ecclesiology (the nature of the Church itself) is simply unmatched. He is willing to accept Jesus’ doctrine of forgiveness but suggests a limit of seven times. He walks on the water in faith but sinks in doubt. He refuses to let Jesus wash his feet, then wants his whole body cleansed. He swears at the Last Supper that he will never deny Jesus and then swears to a servant maid that he has never known the man. He loyally resists the first attempt to arrest Jesus by cutting off a soldier’s ear, but in the end, he runs away with the others. In the depth of his sorrow, Jesus looks on him and forgives him, and he goes out and sheds bitter tears. In that light, St. Peter sounds like every one of us who is trying to follow the Lord with all of our own imperfections and faults. Yet, we learn never to give up or give in, and the role of service becomes crystal clear. Our own selves have to die to the wants and needs of the mission ahead of us.
“I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” What we have learned from the writings and life of St. Paul is also simple and absolute: God alone, in His great mercy and love, can save us. No human effort—even the most scrupulous observance of law—can create a human good which we can bring to God as reparation for sin and payment for grace. To be saved from itself, from sin, from the devil, and from death, humanity must open itself completely to the saving power of Jesus, and there is simply no other way or middle ground. One must have both feet in the game and never look back. His passionate love for Jesus is not only inspiring, it is necessary for the disciple.
“And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” The Gospel clearly establishes the deep desire and longing of Jesus to keep the Church going and shepherded throughout the centuries until the end of time. This is the ongoing gift of love that Christ has for us in giving us shepherds after His own heart. St. Peter’s incredible and phenomenal life is perhaps best summed up in the account of his meeting with Jesus after the Resurrection. Jesus asked him three times, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” (John 21:16). Peter answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you. . . . Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” (John 21:17).
And he still does.
Board Member
Everyone needs to have a Ray “Redfish” for a friend or at least to meet one like him before you leave the planet. He has never been known to interrupt a single person, say an unkind thing, although he did come close during the last Dallas Cowboy game, or leave any food on his plate. Ray wants to live in a world where Jesus is Lord, life is sacred, and blessings never end.
Board Member
Grateful for an amazing group of friends and a life that has been blessed and enriched by so many, Andrea brings a deep joy and dedication to the mission of CityOfAgape. She is detail-oriented and uses her experience and foresight to proactively address the needs of those around her. When you speak with Andrea, you feel like you’re the only one in the room.
Board Member
Father David comes from the land of Iowa where you can get sunburn and frostbite all in the same week. He has the mind of an architect and the soul of a musician. Father David has given his heart to Jesus and truly lives in the Kingdom. An accomplished guitarist, drummer, phenomenal preacher, he has the voice of a baritone angel. His prayers are powerful and his humor, well… it’s Iowan.
Secretary/Treasurer
Every day, for nine months, an intermittent light rain falls in Seattle, Washington. Those days are brightened by the warm smile and hopeful outlook on life that Angelyn brings to every encounter. Her financial expertise and engaging conversation has ensured great things ahead for CityOfAgape. Her life is filled with a constant welcome that is focused and friendly.
President
Jacqueline’s life epitomizes hard work, creative service and complete dedication, not only to CityOfAgape, but also to her husband, Joshua, and her beautiful children. Her smile, even when things are difficult, is refreshing and comforting. In most currently used English dictionaries, under the word “energy,” you will find Jacqueline’s picture.
Secretary/Treasurer
Janice is not only meticulous in reviewing records and requests for Scriptures, but her eyes well-up with joyful tears when you ask her about all the letters she has received from the thousands of Bible recipients over the years. She loves gardening and listening to the earth; her life is like a long stroll through an intriguing and engaging nature center.
Board Member
Father James’ priestly service has taken him to four different countries, many parish settings, and in contact with more friends that rivals most politicians. One of his favorite quotes is by G.K. Chesterton, “Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.” If there are sounds of a lively discussion, mixed with hearty laughter and the aroma of a good cigar, Father James can’t be too far way.
Founder and President Emeritus
The minute John walks through the door, your IQ goes up. He embodies the remarkable talent of grasping the bigger picture while juggling multiple points of view, in a world where many are very one-sided. Always happy, even when he is sad, John is ready to challenge and comfort all in the same breath. Where some only see problems, John sees the bright promise of tomorrow. His inspiration and memory will outlast his years on earth. John always says, “there are always miracles where there is great love.”