Last Sunday of Epiphany-the Transfiguration (year C)- Luke 9: 28-36

The feast of the Transfiguration commemorates an important and mysterious event from the Gospels (e.g., Luke 9:28-36). The Transfiguration provides one of the most distinctive and dramatic manifestations of Jesus' divinity. In the synoptic Gospels, our Lord takes Peter, John, and James up onto a mountain where He has a shining appearance during prayer. Moses and Elijah appear and converse with Jesus, and a divine voice proclaims, "This is my beloved Son; hear him" (Luke 9:35 KJV/NKJV).

Although August 6 has been one date to observe the Transfiguration, beginning in the sixteenth century, Johannes Bugenhagen, Viet Dietrich, and some other Lutherans observed it on the last Sunday before Lent. These Lutherans viewed the Transfiguration as an epiphany or a manifestation of Christ's identity similar in some respects to the coming of the Magi and Christ's Baptism.

This reformation liturgical tradition resurfaced in recent common lectionaries. From the 1970s onward, a Transfiguration gospel has been used on the Last Sunday after the Epiphany (or the Last Sunday before Lent) in all three years among many Lutherans and others. This certainly seems both a biblical and reasonable way to conclude the Epiphany season. It is also an appropriate reminder of our Lord's glory before we enter the somber season of Lent.

Epiphany 7 (year C)- Genesis 45:3-15; Luke 6:27-38

The Old Testament reading from Genesis 45:3-15 is the account of Joseph, who has become prince of Egypt, revealing his identity to the brothers who have sold him into slavery. The brothers are naturally troubled, but Joseph reassures them. He sees the work of divine providence in their lives. In 45:5 and 7, Joseph tells them that God has used events to save them.

The Gospel from Luke 6:27-38 is a series of diverse but related sayings from our Lord. These sayings are in Jesus' "Sermon on the Plain," Luke's parallel to the Sermon on the Mount. The emphasis is on good attitudes and actions expressing love, kindness, and mercy. The basis for such goodness is trust in God the heavenly Father and in His providence. Christ Himself exemplifies such trust or faith, and He asks His followers to trust in providence. Knowing that God cares for us in all circumstances, His grace frees us to pursue a higher and deeper righteousness than human legalism can imagine. As God our Father mercifully cares for us, we should likewise be merciful toward others. Such divine graciousness is the true context for  Christian behavior.

18 February- Martin Luther

 On the 18th day of February 1546, Martin Luther died professing the faith he proclaimed. Luther was an Augustinian friar, a priest, a doctor of theology, a professor of Bible studies, and the great reformer of the Western Church. Although he had his human flaws, Luther was a bold and intelligent Christian preacher and teacher of the Christian Gospel. He emphasized Scripture, the Creeds, Christ as Savior, divine grace, justification by faith, and the importance of the sacraments. He gave rise to the Evangelical Lutheran churches, and his influence has continued to be widespread among many kinds of Christians. So today, we offer a special prayer of thanks for Luther and his work on behalf of the Gospel.

Epiphany 6 (year C)- Luke 6:17-26

 The Gospel from Luke 6:17-26 has some general literary and thematic similarities to the Old Testament reading from Jeremiah  17 and to the assigned Psalm, Psalm 1. All three list several blessings and woes, and Luke 6 contains an account of the Beatitudes, Christ's sayings about who is blessed. Those who are materially and spiritually humble will be blessed; those who trust in outward ease will face woe. 

The goal of human life is learning to trust in God. Our lives receive their meaning through faith in God, not through external worldly status or human accomplishment. In the final analysis, the blessings in the Gospel Beatitudes should point us to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His redeeming work shows the truth of His teaching, and He is the source of true blessings. Woe to those whose trust is in the things of this world, but blessed are those who seek the kingdom of God!

Epiphany 5 (year C)- Luke 5:1-11

The Gospel from Luke 5:1-11 is an account where Jesus calls some of His first disciples, the Galilean fishermen. After preaching to the crowd, He guides the fishermen to such an unusually great catch. This powerful miracle frightens them. Simon Peter and the others are aware of their sin and unworthiness, but Jesus reassures them and calls them to catch men for the Kingdom. 

Like the first reading from Isaiah 6, this Gospel is a call story, and it applies to more than just the ancient prophets and apostles. God still chooses ordinary people to assist in His work. Those called are right to sense their unworthiness for such work, but the divine call and grace are stronger than human frailty. The details of our individual vocations differ, but all believers are called to become instruments for drawing people closer to God. Despite our unworthiness, we are to become witnesses to God's Word in what we believe, say, and do.