Reflection on the Word in our Worship
Epiphany concludes with a vision of the clearest manifestation of the light of Christ in the event of the Transfiguration. From this point on, Jesus moves toward his self-sacrifice on the altar of Cross teaching his disciples about his Passion and preparing their hearts to follow him in self-sacrifice after his resurrection from the dead. Our obedience to Jesus takes place and is supported by this movement from Transfiguration to Passion to Resurrection. And we can follow in faith and thanksgiving entrusting our living and dying and rising to God who, in Christ, "has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:13-14, ESV) . Two teachings from theologian Simon Chan focus upon two essential practices for following Christ in between his Transfiguration and his Resurrection: thanksgiving and self-forgetfulness. These talks are encouraged for this week's conclusion of Epiphany and entry into the season of Lent.
The Collect for the Last Sunday of Epiphany
O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Word:
(Click on the links below to read Sunday's passages)
Old Testament Lesson: 1 Kings 19:9-18
Psalm 27 (after the playlist below)
New Testament Lesson: 2 Peter 1:13-21
Gospel Lesson: Mark 9:2-9
A downloadable Home Liturgy with Spiritual Communion follows the playlist
(click below to listen to Incarnation's Playlist)
Psalm 27
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? *
The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked, even my enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, *
they stumbled and fell.
3 Though a host were encamped against me, yet my heart would not be afraid, *
and though war rose up against me, yet would I put my trust in him.
4 One thing have I desired of the Lord; one thing I seek: *
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
5 To behold the fair beauty of the Lord, *
and to seek him in his temple.
6 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his tabernacle; *
indeed, in the secret place of his dwelling he shall hide me,
and set me high upon a rock of stone.
7 And now he shall lift up my head *
above my enemies round about me.
8 Therefore I will offer in his dwelling an oblation with great gladness; *
I will sing and speak praises unto the Lord.
9 Hearken to my voice, O Lord, when I cry unto you; *
have mercy upon me and hear me.
10 You speak to my heart and say, “Seek my face.” *
Your face, O Lord, will I seek.
11 O hide not your face from me, *
nor cast your servant away in displeasure.
12 You have been my helper; *
leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
13 When my father and my mother forsake me, *
the Lord takes me in.
14 Teach me your way, O Lord, *
and lead me in the right way, because of my enemies.
15 Deliver me not over to the will of my adversaries, *
for there are false witnesses who have risen up against me,
and those who speak wrong.
16 I would utterly have fainted, *
had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
17 O wait for the Lord; be strong, and he shall comfort your heart. *
O put your trust in the Lord.
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