Ex 34: 29-35; Ps 99; 2 Cor 3: 12-4: 2; LUKE 9: 28-36
All of us, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit. AMEN.
The final Sunday of Epiphany ends with the sight of the Transfiguration. “While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him.’” The secret is out and known; everyone, one way or another, had been shown who Jesus is. From his baptism in the Jordan, to the wedding at Cana, and throughout the various scenes of recognition, it became clear to many people that Jesus was more than the carpenter’s son, more than an itinerant preacher, and more than just beloved of G*d. The baptism and this scene both include G*d’s speaking to Jesus. “This is my Son, my beloved. This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him.”
Our Ash Wednesday services will be held on February 13th at 12:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
For further information, please call 617-227-5242
Church of St. John The Evangelist
35 Bowdoin St.
Boston MA 02114
Jer 1: 4-10; Ps 71: 1-6; 1 Cor 13: 1-13; LUKE 4: 21-30
In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge; let me never be ashamed. AMEN.
Last week’s Gospel ended with today’s first sentence, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” We, like those who heard Jesus say this originally, hear this with awe and wonder. Imagine being present to hear the person speak who has the Spirit of the Lord resting on him to preach: good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives, the recovery of sight to the blind, and to set at liberty those who are oppressed. Imagine how exciting that would have been, would be. Then, we might have second thoughts. The psalmist acknowledges taking refuge in the Lord, and asks, “never [to] to be ashamed… For you are my hope…my confidence since I was young.”
