I am finally ready to share, and interested in your interpretation

[Ophelia23]

I have been thinking of a vision I had a long time ago. Throughout the years I have turned it over in my heart, considering this and considering that. I am now at a point where I feel free to discuss what I saw, and I am questioning if anyone has seen similar imagery.

My vision was of Saint Peter, crucified on the cross. I was standing where I could clearly see his agony, maybe 10 feet away. I had dirt on my toes, and a sore on my foot that hurt against the stone I was standing on. Peter was of course upside down. His body was wrought with pain. Kneeling before him was Christ. Christ was steadily and slowly pulling the nail out of Peter’s right hand. Yet while he completed this task, His eyes were focused on Peter’s eyes. The gaze between the two of them is what leaves shivers through my spine. Peter was at peace with his pain. He was looking into Christ’s eyes with so much love, a love that I can hardly pull my heart to fathom. And Christ, his gaze was so incredibly intent. His face was so incredibly calm, focused–it was almost painful for me to look at. I had to keep shifting my focus on to Peter. It was beautiful.

As I continue to grow, this image of Peter and Christ comes to my mind especially in times of struggle. I think of it often. In adoration, this image along with another private vision always come to mind, and I am often left not knowing what exactly to do with it. I believe it is meant to teach me about redemptive suffering, but I fear that even after 13 years I have not fully learned what to do with it.

I am simply sharing with you on this forum. As always, my heart and prayers are with all of you.

 

[Maine52]

Thank you for sharing, Ophelia.

I always remember the story of Peter and the other apostles meeting Jesus after He rose from the dead. They are all sitting on the seashore, amazed that Jesus is alive. Jesus knows Peter is remorseful for having denied Him three times. He asks Peter three times “Do you love Me?” I remember a friend telling me, in reference to this story, that all Jesus wants from us is our love. He knows we are weak and sometimes fall into sin. He does not expect perfection from us. He does not expect us to never make mistakes - He just wants our love. So, Jesus does not say to Peter, “Well, you’re not going to disappoint me again, now, are you?” He simply says “Do you love Me?”

In your vision, Peter is content with his pain and looks at Christ with great love. Although he knows he made mistakes in the past, he does love Christ. Perhaps he feels content with his pain because he has now ultimately proven his love for Christ by his martyrdom. Christ looks at Peter intently because He is receiving the one thing He wants from Peter (and all of us) - love.