Canon Michael writes…

“Who do you say that I am?” It is one of the most searching questions Jesus ever asks. It is not simply a question for Peter, or for the disciples gathered around him at Caesarea Philippi. It is a question that echoes through every generation, inviting each of us to consider who Jesus is and what place he holds in our lives.

Peter answers with remarkable clarity: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” It is a moment of great faith, inspired not by human wisdom but by God’s own revelation. Yet with the benefit of hindsight, we know Peter’s story does not end there. The same disciple who makes this bold confession will soon misunderstand Jesus’ mission, try to prevent him from going to the cross, and later deny even knowing him. Peter is both courageous and flawed, faithful and fearful.

Perhaps that is why his story gives us hope. Jesus does not choose Peter because he is perfect. He chooses him because, despite all his weaknesses, he is willing to follow. “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church.” Christ entrusts his work to an ordinary fisherman whose greatest qualification is not his strength but his openness to God’s grace.

The image of the keys of the kingdom, seen in the great East window of Ripon Cathedral.  reminds us that the Church has been entrusted with opening doors rather than closing them: sharing forgiveness, proclaiming hope, and pointing others towards the love of God revealed in Christ. This calling belongs not only to Peter but, in different ways, to the whole community of believers. God continues to build his Church through ordinary people who offer what they have, however imperfectly.

Jesus’ question remains before us this summer. We answer it not only with the words we say in worship on a Sunday but with the choices we make each day: how we treat those around us, how we respond to those in need, how we forgive those who have hurt us, how we pray, and how we trust God when life is uncertain. Our lives become our confession of faith.

If you sometimes feel that your faith is hesitant or your failures outweigh your successes, remember Peter. Christ did not give up on him, and he does not give up on us. He still calls ordinary people to follow him, still builds his Church with living stones, and still invites us to trust him one step at a time. May we answer his question afresh this week, not with perfect certainty, but with willing hearts.

Revd Canon Michael Gisbourne