The Confession of St. Peter: Eucharistic Readings:
Psalm 23; Acts 4:8-13, 1st Peter 5: 1 – 4, Matthew 16: 13 – 20:
“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 16: 13 – 17)
There are at least two important teaching points going on here.
First, who do you say that Jesus is? We Christians can be found proclaiming Jesus as our Lord and Savior. And he is. We say this with the most convincing words. What do we say about who Jesus is with our behavior, our actions, and our love?
I am sure I read a quote from Maya Angelou (who has many life-inspiring quotes) that said, and I’m paraphrasing, “I do not define my Church, my Church defines me.” In my understanding of her words it means that she does not tell people what her Church is about, but rather, as she walked her life, her Church said who she was. Who do you say Jesus is by the way you conduct yourself?
Second, Jesus points out that Peter did not “figure out” who Jesus is. Jesus lets us know that Peter’s revelation comes from God. All holy revelation comes from God, but like Peter, we have to be close to Jesus to receive it. Such closeness is only possible through prayer and ponder. My dear friend and one-time mentor The Rev Gene Carpenter called it a “Glimmer of Grace.” I like that term. It fits. It’s God’s doing, not ours. Be open to divine revelation and be well.
Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for the people suffering from the devastating fires in California. And, as we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray: (The Collect for Saturdays BCP p. 99)
Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and sanctified a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared for the service of your sanctuary, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
onewhoponders 