I know that the feastday of Sts. Peter and Paul isn't until tomorrow, but I decided that since that day is for two saints that I would write about one of them today and the other for tomorrow. Today I will write about St. Peter.
In honor of his feastday I'll recommend a movie about him entitled "The Power of The Resurrection." The story begins with him as an older man in prison waiting to die for his faith. An adolecent boy admits his fear of the horrible execution. The saint comforts him saying that he knows how he feels yet the boy can't believe that he was ever afraid like him. Peter confesses that it wasn't always that way.
The film then flashes back to just after Christ rises Lazerus from the dead. Most of the story takes place during Holy Week and then moves on to all that happened afterwards. The film shows Peter's fear, confusion, his refusal to believe that he will deny Christ three times, and his denial of Jesus. Throughout the story we sympathize Peter and identify with his struggles and weaknesses. Viewers see the human side of this saint but he still has his positive moments later on in the story. The main message in this movie is that without Christ we can do nothing, so we must humble ourselves and ask for His help. Peter is transformed into a saint. He gives an inspiring speech to encourage the other disciples while they're awaiting the Holy Spirit and preaches at Pentecost, despite his fear of death.
By the end of the movie the boy has learned a great deal from the story and is no longer afraid. Then St. Peter is escorted out of the prison by a Roman soldier to be martyred.
If you can't find "The Power of the Resurrection by itself then look for it on the dvd "POPE John Paul II A Documentary of the Life of Pope John Paul II." It should be listed on the bonus features.
