The Confession of St. Peter is a statement made by the apostle Peter in which he professes his belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. This confession is recorded in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In Matthew 16:16, Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" and Peter responds, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." This statement is considered a monumental moment in the Bible, as it marks Peter's recognition of Jesus as the Messiah or Christ, the Son of God.
The Church celebrates the Confession of St. Peter because it is seen as a significant moment in the history of Christianity. Peter's declaration that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, is the foundation of the Church and the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. This confession is also seen as a recognition of Jesus' divine nature and authority, which is central to Christian belief.
Additionally, the Confession of St. Peter is also a reminder of the importance of faith and the role of the Church in spreading the message of Jesus Christ. The Church also commemorates this event as a means to honor St. Peter as a central leader of the early Christian community, and his role as the rock upon which Jesus said he would build his Church.
Ways to Celebrate
Read Matthew 16:13-19. Reflect on the passage that records Peter's confession, and consider what it means for our own faith. How was this truth revealed to Peter? Does the Holy Spirit reveal things to us as well?
Pray for the unity of the Christian Church. The Feast of the Confession of St. Peter kicks off the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. It is actually eight days long, not seven which is known as an octave. It begins on the Feast of the Confession of St. Peter and ends on January 25th which is the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. It occurs every year and is coordinated by the World Council of Churches, with participation by denominations around the world. They commit to pray together for the unity of the Christian Church.
Here is the link to pray with Christians around the world for the unity of the Christian Church.