2026 Epiphany Devotions
Monday, January 19
Festival of the Confession of St. Peter
Matthew 16:13-19
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist but others Elijah and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 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. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
“… “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” …”
Today, we celebrate the festival of the Confession of St. Peter. His proclamation of Jesus as Messiah (Christ in the Greek), and Son of the living God, clearly states Jesus’ identity – not just for Peter but for all time. It solidifies Jesus as those One sent by God to deliver God’s people. He is both human and divine. It is a stunning proclamation.
This day also begins the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. It goes from today through the next festival – The Conversion of St. Paul. During these seven days, Christians throughout the world are called to reflect not only on the identity of Jesus (as declared by St. Peter) but also our identity as followers shown forth in the conversion of St. Paul. Together, the two festivals bracket our common Christian faith.
Too often, we get bogged down in the minutia of doctrine and beliefs. Rather than recognizing our common identity is Jesus as Lord, Messiah, and Son of God, we get tangled up in practices and protocols in our own specific branch of the church. Too often, that leads to division, strife, and even outright warfare. It should not be so.
The stories of St. Peter’s confession and St. Paul’s conversion remind us of our common faith, our common journey, and our common Lord. Rather than being divided, celebrating these stories reminds us of our unity as followers of Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for drawing us together as Your people, Your Church. Unite us in faith, in hope, and in love toward You, one another, and all that You have made. Amen.