Jan. 18 on our liturgical calendar is called The Confession of Saint Peter the Apostle. On this day, the church honors that Spirit-filled proclamation made by Peter about Jesus when he was questioned regarding Jesus’s identity.

The apostles witnessed some amazing things: feeding the five thousand, Jesus walking on water, Jesus healing a blind man, a woman being healed of torture by a demon, and numerous other miracles. Can you imagine how the apostles felt… excited, proud, and even confused as they listened to the Pharisees and Sadducees attempt to trap Jesus with bogus claims and questions?

Then, Jesus asks his apostles, “Who do people say that I am?” They had to know, but they were afraid to speak the words. What they knew seemed so impossible. But Peter, impetuous Peter, proclaims, “You are the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the Living God!” No one had yet made such a claim about Jesus’ identity! The apostles stand still with anticipation. How will Jesus respond to what Peter said? Could it be true? Then, Jesus says, “Blessed are you, Simon. You were not told this by flesh and blood, but you have been told this by my Father in heaven.” Thus, the Confession of Saint Peter…the God-given statement that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.

I hope you believe as Peter did. Look around at the miracles that happen every day. You will surely be convinced. Your very life depends on it!

About the author: Rev. Elizabeth L. Nelson is the priest at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in LaBelle.