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Transfiguration • Year B
February 11, 2024
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Historical Collect
O God, at the glorious transfiguration of your only Son, you confirmed the mystery of our faith by the witness of the disciples and by your own voice from the cloud. Mercifully complete our adoption as your children, and give us, with our King, an inheritance of his glory. Grant this, we pray, through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Roman Prayer, 15th century)
Thematic Collect
God of majesty, through Jesus’ transfiguration you reveal him as your beloved Son. Keep us faithful in the promise that through the cross and the empty tomb we are joint heirs with Christ and will one day enjoy the fullness of your glory for eternity; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The Common Thread
Moses wanted to see God’s face more than anything. He asked God to show him his glory (Exod 33:18). Instead of allowing this (Exod 33:20), he changed Moses’ own face. When Moses spent time with God, the skin of his face would shine with a reflection of God’s brilliant glory. “God shines forth” among his people. His own light shines in our hearts because he has given us “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” This is the one transfigured on the mountain top, the one who still shines brightly in the people who “listen to him.”
First Reading • Exodus 34:29-35
The glory of God is too much for a human to bear. Even talking with God caused the face of Moses to shine, to reflect some of the glory of God. Had he actually seen him in all his glory he would surely die (Exod 33:20). When Moses spoke with God, he did so, as it were, face to face, with an unveiled face. When he was among the people, he veiled his face with its discomforting shining. However, when he spoke the words of the Lord to the people, he unveiled his shining face. The sin of the people kept them from beholding the glory of God; his glory was veiled by their unrighteousness, just as it is today.
Psalm • Psalm 50:1-6
God's glory is not only seen in anthropomorphic representations. His glory is also perceived in what he accomplishes. His glory is seen in his holiness and righteousness and yet, also in his grace toward people who do not deserve mercy.
Second Reading • 2 Corinthians 3:12-13, 14-18; 4:1-6
In Christ, we have beheld the glory of God (Heb 1:3). When we focus upon the Lord through his Word, the veil is lifted and we are transformed little by little—“from one degree of glory to another”—into the image of his glory. It is a lifetime's work but God will bring it to fruition. (Phil 1:5-6). So, do not lose heart. You have beheld the very image of God in the Son. Unveil your face and keep your eyes upon him.
Gospel • Mark 9:2-9
Jesus kept his divine nature veiled (Phil 2:6-7) from the world but in this instance, he unveiled his divinity to a few of his disciples. His transfiguration may have been similar to the vision of John, who saw the Son of Man's face shining like the sun in its full strength (Rev 1:16). The Almighty's nature was veiled in the overshadowing cloud but for a moment, the glory of the Son was seen by a few. Jesus shone with glory and the message was clear enough even without the voice from the cloud. “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.”
Resources
Links to Worship Resources for this Service
