With today’s Readings we end the season of Epiphany; today is the Sunday of the Transfiguration. We began the Epiphany season with the Baptism of Jesus and the words of the Lord that Jesus is His beloved Son, His chosen One, with Whom the Lord is pleased. In the Transfiguration we hear the same words, with the addition of, “Listen to Him!” Let us hear the words of the heavenly Father and listen to Jesus as our Lord and Savior!

Deuteronomy 34:1-12:  Today’s First Reading is the account of the end of Moses’ leadership of the people of Israel as he now dies at the age of 120, even though he is still strong and vigorous. Notice that as Moses is allowed to see the whole land before he dies, the Lord proclaims that the giving of the land to the people of Israel is in fulfillment of His promise to give the land to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses, and we the readers, are again reminded that the Lord keeps His promises. Let us trust in His faithfulness to keep His promises!

Lord God, You are the One Who made covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and Who faithfully fulfilled Your promises to their descendants. Enable us to trust in Your faithfulness to keep Your promises to us, especially the promises You have made through Your Son, Jesus, our Lord and Savior, the promises of forgiveness, life and salvation. We thank and praise You that You keep Your promises. Amen.

Psalm 99:  Psalm 99 is  a psalm of praise and a call to worship. Notice the words of adoration and glory to God for His greatness. Let us join the psalmist and all followers of the Lord in giving Him glory, honor, praise and adoration!

Most holy God, we give You honor, praise, glory, and adoration for Who You are; You are just, merciful, forgiving, restoring; You are the giver of life and all blessings through Your Son Jesus. Let us always gather to give You thanks and praise, rejoicing in the life we have in Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Hebrews 3:1-6:  The writer of Hebrews calls us to consider Jesus – a wonderful call; may we always consider, contemplate, meditate on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Notice that the writer of Hebrews has a high regard for Moses and his place in the history of God’s actions in the world, but especially notice that Jesus is greater than Moses; Moses was a servant in God’s house, Jesus is the faithful Son. As we are reminded in this passage, let us always hold fast to Jesus in Whom is our confidence and our hope.

Lord Jesus, we rejoice that Your are the faithful Son over God’s house, the people of God, the Church. Through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives enable us to always hold fast to You, confident and hopeful of our life in You. In Your Name we pray. Amen

Luke 9:28-36:  The Gospel for today is the awesome account of the Transfiguration of Jesus, when He was transformed into the dazzling glory of His heavenly appearance. That would be enough, but the account continues with the appearance of Moses and Elijah, who were talking with Jesus about all that must yet take place in Jerusalem. Can you blame Peter for wanting to set up three tents and keep this experience going? But there is more, suddenly a cloud enveloped them, and they realized that the presence of the heavenly Father was there (any wonder that they were afraid?), and they heard the voice of the heavenly Father, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” Suddenly everything was back to normal, yet never the same again; they heard the voice of the Father to listen to the Son, and they did. May we also listen to the voice of Jesus, letting His words transform us each day more and more in Him.

Awesome Lord, what a wonderful experience to behold Jesus shining with His heavenly glory!  Open our eyes to see You in all Your glory, especially the glory of Your love to go to the cross, die, and rise again on the third day.  Open our ears to hear and heed Your words of life in the Son.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.