Hello, Reader!
This Sunday, the Last Sunday after the Epiphany, we celebrate the Transfiguration of Our Lord with Morning Prayer at 9 am.
Don't forget that Ash Wednesday is this week. Join us at 6 pm.
Reflection on the Readings for the Last Sunday after the Epiphany 2026
Old Testament – Exodus 24:12-18
Moses is called to ascend Mount Sinai to receive the tablets of stone containing God’s laws. For six days, God’s glory envelops the mountain before God calls Moses from within it. To the Israelites watching below, the glory of the Lord appears as a devouring fire atop the mountain. Moses enters the cloud and remains on the mountain for forty days and forty nights, communing with God. This passage establishes a pattern of mountaintop encounters with God’s glory, revealing His divine presence in the cloud and fire.
Psalm 99
This psalm proclaims the Lord as King over all peoples, causing the earth to tremble at His presence. God is honored as the mighty King who loves justice and has established fairness and righteousness. The psalmist recalls Moses, Aaron, and Samuel—figures who called upon the Lord and were answered. God communicated with them from the pillar of cloud, and the psalm concludes by urging worshipers to declare the Lord’s greatness and worship Him on His holy hill.
Epistle – 2 Peter 1:16-21
Peter insists that he and the other disciples were eyewitnesses to Christ’s majesty at the Transfiguration. They heard the voice from the Majestic Glory proclaiming Jesus as God’s beloved Son. Their experience on the holy mountain confirmed the prophetic message. Peter urges his readers to pay attention to this prophetic word, which serves as a lamp shining in the darkness until the day dawns. He emphasizes that no prophecy of Scripture originates from human interpretation but comes from individuals moved by the Holy Spirit to speak from God.
Gospel – Matthew 17:1-9
Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, where he was transfigured before them—his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus, representing the Law and the Prophets. A bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice spoke: “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” The disciples fell to the ground in fear, but Jesus touched them and told them not to be afraid. As they descended, Jesus instructed them to tell no one about the vision until the Son of Man had been raised from the dead.
Reflection
These readings reveal Christ’s divine glory and our call to listen to Him. Moses encountered God’s glory on Mount Sinai amid clouds and fire. Peter, an eyewitness, testifies to Christ’s majesty on the holy mountain. On the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus is unveiled in His true glory, fulfilling both the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah)—the one to whom we must listen. This mountaintop moment occurs just before Jesus begins His journey to Jerusalem and the cross. We are reminded that this glimpse of glory strengthens us to bear our own crosses and to be transformed into Christ’s likeness. We have witnessed the light of His countenance, and now we prepare to follow Him into Lent, listening to His voice and being transformed by His glory.
You can read the full reflection and Scripture texts on today's services webpage.
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If you need inspiration for prayer, remember the Book of Common Prayer or these prayers to guide your prayer journey.
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Blessings, and have a great week!
