The Liturgical Calendar: The Church Remembers

Today the church remembers The Confession of Saint Peter the Apostle.

The confession of the disciple Simon Peter, “you are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” is a milestone in the Lord’s ministry, in the founding of the church, and in the history of humankind. On Peter’s confession of faith lay the foundation of a new world order.

Peter was a simple fisherman of Galilee, rough and impetuous. Andrew, his brother, called him to follow Jesus. He soon grew very close and dear to the Lord and was one of the inner circle of Jesus’ companions. He was quick tempered and impulsive, given to bursts of enthusiasm and lulls of depression. At the Last Supper he swore he would die rather than forsake Jesus, but before daybreak denied him three times.

Following the Resurrection, Peter emerged as leader of the more conservative disciples, strenuously opposing the baptism of Gentiles. However, after a very dramatic dream, he had a real change of heart (see February 4.

Peter eventually went to Rome where, with Paul, he founded the mother church of Western Europe. There, during the Neronian persecutions, he was crucified with his head down. The peculiar position was at his own request, for he did not feel worthy to suffer in the same manner as his Lord.

Almighty Father, who inspired Simon Peter, first among the apostles, to confess Jesus as the Messiah and Son of the living God: Keep your church steadfast upon the rock of this faith. Amen.

Read the Wikipedia article here.

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