Transfiguration Sunday
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| Scripture | Theme | Hymns |
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| 2 Kings 2:1-12 | Elijah taken up | 358: Dear Lord and Father of
Mankind 452: My Faith Looks Up to Thee |
| Psalm 50:1-6 | The presence of God Almighty | 621: Be Present at Our Table, Lord 700: Abide with Me |
| 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 | Light shines at God's direction | 539: O Spirit of the Living God 651: Come, Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire |
| Mark 9:2-9 | The transfiguration story | 203: Hail to the Lord's Annointed 258: O Wondrous Sight! O Vision Fair |
All of the scripture passages this week have an element of light. Elijah was taken into heaven by a firey chariot. The Psalmist proclaims the glory of God, shining forth from Zion. The second letter to the Corinthians revels in the light at creation as well as the Light which is Christ shining in our hearts. This week's featured hymn, though, focuses on the light of the transfiguration, when Christ stood on the hillside with Moses and Elijah. How amazing it must have been! Peter, always the man of action, immediately decided that they needed to do something--build some shelters. But God spoke. Christ is the Son. We should listen to Him. The dazzling account of this moment captures our imaginations so powerfully that all too often we fail to listen. In the closing words of Mark's transfiguration account he tells us, "Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead." Today we know that the Son of Man has already risen from the dead. It is time to tell the wonderful stories now!
The Sarum Breviary was a daily order of service used in the Church of England before The Book of Common Prayer. Although seldom used for nearly half a millenium, the Sarum Breviary's celebration of the Transfiguration inspired John Mason Neale to translate it into common English. Rejoice in the message that we now can share with the whole world:
| 1. O wondrous sight! O vision fair of glory that the church shall share, which Christ upon the mountain shows, where brighter than the sun he glows! |
2. From age to age the tale declares how with the three disciples there where Moses and Elijah meet, the Lord holds converse high and sweet. |
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| 3. The law and prophets there have place, two chosen witnesses of grace; the Father's voice from out the cloud proclaims his only Son aloud. |
4. With shining face and bright array, Christ deigns to manifest that day what glory shall be theirs above who joy in God with perfect love. |
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Throughout the Bible God creates the light so that we can see. Having received the Light, may we share it boldly and joyfully.
God bless you--
Lection at HymnSite.com
God bless you!
| Passages suggested are from The Revised Common Lectionary: Consultation on Common Texts (Abingdon Press, 1992) copyright © by the Consultation on Common Texts (CCT), P.O. Box 340003, Room 381, Nashville TN 37203-0003. Reprinted with permission of CCT. |