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This coming Sunday is often regarded as Transfiguration Sunday (I recognize that in The Book of Alternative Services it can also be celebrated on August 6) as we draw the Season of Epiphany to a close and prepare to enter the Season of Lent. The Transfiguration of Jesus draws our attention forward into the Season of Lent and ultimately to Easter. The gospel passage from Matthew (17: 1-9) speaks of a particular encounter that Peter, James and John had on that mountain-peak and invites us to consider our own encounters with Jesus.

Each time we celebrate the Eucharist we are reminded that once again Jesus is transfigured before us. As we share the bread and wine, the body and blood of Christ, we are once again recognizing his presence in our midst but in this transfigured form. As we consume the bread and wine, food for our journey, we also recognize that it will change and transform us.

Jesus led three of his disciples up a mountain and his whole likeness changed before them. How has your own understanding of Jesus grown, changed and transformed over time? How has that changed you?

From the hymn, ‘Tis Good Lord to Be Here, these words seem fitting:

‘Tis good Lord to be here! Yet we may not remain;

But, since thou bidst us leave the mount, come with us to the plain.

May God bless you and keep you in your recognition of Transfiguration in your life and in your worship and may that light guide you towards Ash Wednesday and Lent.

+John Stephens
Archbishop of the Diocese of New Westminster

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Image: The Transfiguration by Alexandr Ivanov (public domain)