The Season of Epiphany 2017 (Year A)

Notable Feast Days this Week:


February 21 - Peter Damian, 1072 (Roman Catholic)
February 23 - Polycarp of Smyrna, 156 
February 24 - Matthias, Apostle (Anglican, Lutheran, Western)

February 25 - Walburga, Bavaria, 779
February 26 - Transfiguration of Our Lord

February 26 - Photine, Samaritan Woman, John 4:7 (Eastern)

Revised Common Lectionary

Exodus 24:12-18
Psalm 2 or Psalm 99
2 Peter 1:16-21
Matthew 17:1-9


Daily Readings (RCL)

Liturgical Color - Green/White

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---- Transfiguration Sunday ---- February 26, 2017 (Year A)

A Righteous Life: Humble Illumination 

God has revealed to his people the paths of righteousness that lead to life (Exodus 24:12-18). God is holy and loves justice, delighting in those who follow his ways. He transcends the politics and postures of this world and is worthy of our worship and praise (Psalm 2 and Psalm 99). We pay close attention to Scripture and the words of Jesus (2 Peter 1:16-21), who is gloriously revealed as the beloved Son of God who takes away our fear (Matthew 17:1-9) and leads us into joy.

Psalm of the Week
Scripture Readings

"Why do the nations conspire
    and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
    against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
“Let us break their chains
    and throw off their shackles.”

The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
    the Lord scoffs at them.
He rebukes them in his anger
    and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
'I have installed my king
    on Zion, my holy mountain.'"

Exodus 24:12-18
Moses enters the cloud of God's glory

2 Peter 1:16-21
Shining with the glory of God

Matthew 17:1-9
Christ revealed as God's beloved Son

Daily Readings
Revised Common Lectionary

Daily Readings
Book of Common Prayer

The Entire Bible in One Year
Chronological
The Transfiguration

Wikipedia Article

An Orthodox Perspective

A Roman Catholic Perspective

"The Symbolic Meaning of the Transfiguration" by Rod Dreher

"The Transfiguration" by R.C. Sproul

"Christ's Transfigured Face" - A sermon by Charles Spurgeon

"The Taboric Light: Feast of Transfiguration" - An article by Dale Coulter


"Up on a Mountain" - A lecture by Tim Keller on Exodus 19
Prepare for Lent
 
Lent is only three weeks away! In preparation, the Liturgy Letter recommends "The Good of Giving Up: Discovering the Freedom of Lent" by Fr. Aaron Damiani. This excellent volume is full of lucid illustrations and clear explanations that will encourage your understanding and practice of Lent.

Read through the Gospel of Matthew during Lent using N.T. Wright's daily devotional "Lent for Everyone: Matthew - Year A". The electronic book for Kindle is on sale for $2.99 at Amazon. 

"Why Read Matthew for Lent?" - An introduction from N.T. Wright (Video)
Practicing Prayer
"O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us 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 Book of Common Prayer
Contemplative Prayer (View and Download)
Daily Prayer (View and Download)
Audio Prayer Meditation - Pray As You Go
Psalm 2 Spotify Playlist
More Spotify Psalms Playlists...
Singing Psalms and Hymns
The Transfiguration | By Sufjan Stevens| Leadsheet 

Phos Hilaron | Music by Thomas Tallis, arranged by Church of the Apostles| Chord Chart 

Lord Jesus Christ, Your Light Shine Within Us | by Taize Community | Leadsheet

Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies | Words by Charles Wesley and Music by Luke Morton | Leadsheet

Hymn Suggestions for Transfiguration Sunday from Hymnary.org 


Psalm 2 Metrical Options (Passion Chorale)

Psalm 99 Metrical Options (Richmond, St. Anne) 

"On the Mountain with Jesus: Matthew 17" - A reflective worship service based on the Transfiguration from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship


Resources for Pointed Chant 

Resources for Plainchant

Read about "Singing the Psalms: A Guide for Modern Worship" by Ashley Danyew
Commentary on Matthew 17:1-9
"A voice from the cloud said, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him. I am manifested through his preaching. I am glorified through his humility. So listen to him without hesitation. He is the truth and the life. He is my strength and wisdom. “Listen to him” whom the mysteries of the law foreshadowed, of whom the mouths of the prophets sang. “Listen to him” who by his blood redeemed the world, who binds the devil and seizes his vessels, who breaks the debt of sin and the bondage of iniquity. “Listen to him” who opens the way to heaven and by the pain of the cross prepares for you the steps of ascent into his kingdom." 

-Leo the Great




More Historical Commentary
(View and Download)
Music for Listening
The Transfiguration
"The Transfiguration" by Sufjan Steven from the album Seven Swans.
Thematic Art 
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