Revd Darren McCallig’s sermon from 23 August 2026, the Twelfth Sunday after Trinity, reflecting on Matthew 16:18.
Jesus gave Simon the name Peter – the rock on which he would build his Church. Yet Peter was often as rocky as he was rock solid: struggling to understand forgiveness and service, and ultimately denying that he even knew Jesus.
Peter’s correct declaration that Jesus was the Messiah was only the beginning. It took him a lifetime to understand what that answer meant: forgiving without keeping score, recognising that we are linked rather than ranked, serving one another and finding the courage to give his life away in love.
Our own journey of faith can be rocky too. Whether our faith feels steadfast or we are going through a difficult patch, we are not alone. The steadfast love Peter came to trust is the ultimate rock, holding us even when we reach rock bottom.