Exploring the Sunday Gospel - Twelfth Sunday after Trinity
Today is the Twelfth Sunday after Trinity. Today’s reading from Matthew’s Gospel tells of
Peter’s confession of faith at Caesarea Philippi. In the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke,
Peter’s public recognition of Jesus as the Messiah at Caesarea Philippi marks a significant
turning point. Prior to this point Jesus’ true identity has only been acknowledged by the
world of spirits and by those possessed. In Matthew’s account, Jesus rewards Peter’s
confession of faith with the acknowledgement that this is the rock on which the church will
be built. This saying of Jesus rests on a significant play on words: the name Peter means
rock.
For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during
the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of rock. In today’s picture from his
book, Water, Teddy Horsley watches the water cascade down the rocks and splash into the
sea.
Lord Jesus Christ,
you build your church on Peter the rock.
Give us faith like his
that we may name you
as the Christ and Saviour;
now and always.
Amen.
Next Sunday is the Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity. The reading from Matthew’s Gospel
follows on from Peter’s confession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus begins to explain
that he is the Messiah who suffers alongside and on behalf of the people of God. The image
to help prepare for this theme is suffering. You can find out more about that theme by looking
at the Educational Resources and the Preparation Resources.
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