Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
TUESDAY, January 18 The Confession of Saint Peter
Matthew 16:13-19. He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
This gospel reminds me of one of those moments on a long journey when you pause and look at how far you have come, then look ahead to the road still before you. Stopping midway, you reassess.
Jesus’ journey through the countryside has led to much talk. So Jesus asks his followers to sum up the trip so far: who do people say that he is? The familiar answers come: John the Baptist come back to life; Elijah, returned among us; some other prophet.
The question may have been directed at good-hearted, impetuous Peter, but Jesus is also asking me. Who do I say that he is? Into what parts of my heart will I invite him? What of me will I try to hide, pretend to be other than I am? How will I follow him? At a safe distance, watching to see how it will turn out? Or will I take up my cross, as he invites me, and follow him? Will I hold back, or plunge deliriously into deep waters? Is my baptism a polite social ritual, an excuse to get the family together, or is it new birth? Who is this Christ for me, who has marked me as his own forever? (1999)
PRAY for the Diocese of Liverpool (York, England)
Ps 23; Acts 4:8-13; 1 Peter 5:1-4
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