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Dear Beloved in Christ,
As I write to you on this Thursday, January 18th, we remember the Confession of St. Peter, Acts 10:34-44.
The Confession of St. Peter, a cornerstone of our faith, profoundly connects with our reflections on the year 2023 as we prepare for our congregational meeting on January 28th. This confession, where Peter acknowledges Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God, is a moment of profound revelation and understanding. It marks a turning point, where the identity of Jesus and the nature of His mission become clear to His followers. This moment of clarity and commitment resonates deeply with our journey throughout the past year.
In 2023, much like Peter, we as a community have experienced moments of deep realization and affirmation of our faith. Our collective efforts in seeking peace and embracing the Holy Spirit's presence reflect our own confession of faith in action. Just as Peter's confession was a declaration of his belief and an understanding of Jesus' true identity, our community activities and interactions have been an expression of our understanding and acceptance of Christ's teachings.
The peace we have pursued and fostered within St. Mary's and beyond echoes Peter's realization of Jesus as the source of true peace – a peace that is not as the world gives, but a divine, enduring peace that transforms hearts and communities. Our efforts in building bridges, nurturing understanding, and fostering a harmonious environment are embodiments of this Christ-centered peace.
Similarly, the way the Holy Spirit has moved and guided us reflects the dynamic faith that Peter displayed. After his confession, Peter was not just a follower; he became a leader and a guide, driven by the Holy Spirit. In 2023, we have seen how the Holy Spirit has guided our decisions, comforted us in times of need, and inspired new initiatives. This is akin to Peter's experience post-confession, where he was emboldened and led by the Spirit to spread the message of Christ.
Moreover, just as Peter's confession was a foundation for the early church, our experiences in 2023 serve as a foundation for our ongoing journey as a faith community. We have laid down strong spiritual and communal roots, echoing Peter's role in the early church, committed to the teachings of Christ and led by the Holy Spirit.
The Confession of St. Peter is not only a historical cornerstone of our faith but also a living, breathing aspect of our spiritual journey. It reminds us of the importance of recognizing and declaring our faith, of living out the peace of Christ, and being open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As we move forward, let us hold onto the clarity and conviction of Peter's confession, allowing it to continually shape and inspire our community in faith and action.
Let us pray:
Almighty and Everlasting God, who inspired Your apostle Peter to confess Jesus as the Christ and the Son of the living God: We thank You for guiding us through the year 2023, a year where Your love and presence have been our steadfast companions.
Lord, as Peter declared his faith with clarity and courage, grant us a similar strength of conviction in our own confession of Jesus as our Lord and Savior. May our community at St. Mary's, like Peter, be a rock of faith and a beacon of hope in a world that yearns for Your light.
We give thanks for the peace that has permeated our congregation, a peace that reflects the teachings and love of Christ. Help us to continue fostering this peace within our church and extending it into the world, breaking down walls of division and building bridges of understanding and unity.
Holy Spirit, who descended upon the apostles and emboldened them to spread the Good News, we ask for Your continued guidance and inspiration. As You led Peter and the early church, lead us in our mission and service. Help us to listen for Your gentle whisper in our decisions, to feel Your comforting presence in our trials, and to see Your hand at work in our successes.
As we reflect on the past and look to the future, may the Confession of St. Peter remind us of our foundational beliefs and the transformative power of acknowledging Christ as Lord. May this confession be ever on our lips and in our hearts, guiding our actions and our lives.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our rock and our redeemer, we pray. Amen.
In Christ,
Mo. Allison+
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