The Feast of the Confession of St. Peter, celebrated on January 18, marks a pivotal moment in the Gospels when Peter boldly declares, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). This confession is recognized as an epiphany, another divine revelation of Jesus’ true identity, which is why it is celebrated during the season of Epiphany, a time dedicated to reflecting on the ways God reveals Himself through Jesus Christ.
Peter’s confession not only affirms Jesus as the Messiah but also sets the foundation for the Church. Jesus responds to Peter’s declaration with profound words:
"Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. 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." —Matthew 16:17-18
Where did Peter Make This Confession?
Understanding the location is critical in order to grasp the significance of this event. Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Christ takes place in the region of Caesarea Philippi. It was situated about 25 miles north of the Sea of Galilee at the base of Mount Hermon and was significantly north of their typical ministry area in Galilee, requiring a deliberate journey to get there. It was a prominent center of pagan worship and Roman influence during Jesus’ time.
The city was a center for pagan religious practices and was known for its shrines to Greek and Roman gods, particularly the god Pan, who was worshipped as the deity of nature and fertility. Offerings and sacrifices were made to the pagan gods, along with ritualistic celebrations and temple prostitution. The grotto dedicated to Pan and the associated rituals would have been considered highly offensive to Jewish religious sensibilities.
A large grotto in the area, often referred to as the “Gates of Hades,” was part of a temple complex dedicated to these pagan practices. Locals believed this grotto was a portal to the underworld, making it a place of spiritual darkness and superstition.
In addition to its religious significance, Caesarea Philippi was a symbol of Roman power. Herod Philip named the city to honor Caesar Augustus and himself, further solidifying its role as a political and cultural hub. This dual association with pagan worship and Roman authority must have caused such apprehension among the disciples and made it a most unusual location for Jesus to reveal His identity through Peter’s confession!
Why It Matters
By choosing Caesarea Philippi for this moment, Jesus contrasted the wickedness of the region with the truth of His divine mission. When Peter declared, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” he did so in a setting steeped in idolatry, immorality, and worldly power. This made his confession all the more profound, as it acknowledged Jesus as the true Messiah in a place dominated by darkness, sin, and death.
Jesus’ response to Peter’s confession also takes on greater meaning in this context. When He says, “The gates of Hades will not prevail against it,” He speaks directly to the fears and beliefs tied to the grotto, which locals considered an entryway to the underworld. Jesus declares His ultimate power and authority, proclaiming that His Church will stand firm against all the forces of darkness.
In the heart of a region dedicated to false gods and worldly power, the true identity of Christ was revealed, establishing the foundation of the Church and its mission to bring light to the world.
Why Do We Celebrate the Confession of St. Peter?
The confession of Peter is a cornerstone of Christian faith and theology. It reveals Jesus’ identity as the Messiah and the foundation upon which the Church is built. This moment is not simply a personal statement from Peter but a divine revelation given by God the Father.
The Church celebrates this feast to remind us of the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit, bold faith and the centrality of Jesus in our lives. It is also an opportunity to reflect on our own confession of faith and how we, like Peter, are called to proclaim Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Ways to Celebrate the Feast of the Confession of St. Peter
Reflect on Matthew 16:13-20. Read the passage where Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ. Consider the setting, the cultural context, and the significance of Peter’s words. Reflect on these questions:
How does Peter’s bold confession inspire your own faith?
What “epiphanies” has God revealed to you in your spiritual journey?
Pray for Unity in the Church. The Feast of the Confession of St. Peter also marks the beginning of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which runs from January 18 to January 25, concluding with the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. This octave of prayer emphasizes the call for unity among Christians of all denominations. (I’ll be sharing all about this tomorrow!)
Make braided bread. Since we are praying for unity, make Breaded Loaf Bread. Braided bread is a powerful symbol of unity because of its intertwined strands, which visually and symbolically represent the bringing together of separate parts into one whole. Each strand retains its individuality but contributes to a beautiful, cohesive design, much like how individuals or groups come together to form a unified community!
the recipe -
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