Saturday. [Heb. 9: 24–28; Mark 8: 27–31]

The Lord asked the apostles how they see Him? In the person of the holy Apostle Peter, they answered Thou art the Christ. This confession did not ripen suddenly, but once it ripened, it settled in the depths of the heart and became the source of his guidance. It was overshadowed by the death of the Lord, but not shaken, and being resurrected in even greater power by the resurrection, it directed the apostles for their entire lives to preach to the whole world. There is a moment for each believer, when he utters with all his strength, “Thou art the Christ, my Lord and Saviour. Thou art my salvation, my light, my strength, my comfort, my hope and eternal life.” Then is accomplished that by which this believer cries with the Apostle: “Who shall separate me from the love of Christ!” (cf. Rom. 8:35) and like him he begins to pursue all that is pleasing to Christ the Lord until he comes unto the measure of His stature (cf. Eph. 4:13).