The Transfiguration of Our Lord features in the Gospel Reading for this Sunday, 8 March, 2020. Jesus is transfigured and becomes radiant in glory upon a mountain.
GOSPEL
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew (17:1-9)
His face shone like the sun.
Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone. There in their presence he was transfigured: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them; they were talking with him. Then Peter spoke to Jesus. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘it is wonderful for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud covered them with shadow, and from the cloud there came a voice which said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.’ When they heard this the disciples fell on their faces overcome with fear. But Jesus came up and touched them. ‘Stand up,’ he said ‘do not be afraid.’ And when they raised their eyes they saw no one but only Jesus.
As they came down from the mountain Jesus gave them this order. “Tell no one about this vision until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.”
The Gospel of the Lord…..
Transfiguration prayer
On the mountain you were transfigured, O Christ God,
And your disciples beheld your glory as far as they were able
So that when they would behold You crucified,
They would understand that Your suffering was voluntary,
And would proclaim to the world,
That You are truly the radiance of the Father.
(Kontakion of the Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ)
ENDS