Book of Alternative Services

Sunday, February 19^th, 2023

Last Sunday after the Epiphany (Green)

TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY

Over time the rationale for keeping the readings of the Transfiguration on the Last Sunday after the Epiphany has become more widely understood. Liturgy always looks forward. The ending of the year on the Feast of the Reign of Christ is properly understood as looking forward through the season of Advent to the coming of Christ in His Incarnation at Christmas and in glory at the end of time. Transfiguration Sunday shares the same liturgical and pastoral purpose. It reminds us of our true nature in Christ and looks forward to Easter just as we begin our Lenten journey. It is appropriate therefore that the theme of today emphasise the hope of our salvation at Easter prefigured in the Transfiguration rather than concentrating on the Feast of the Transfiguration itself which is observed on the 6th of August. The Collect from the Church of England's Common Worship, for example, pulls out this specific theme artfully.
Collect: Almighty Father, whose Son was revealed in majesty before he suffered death upon the cross: give us grace to perceive his glory, that we may be strengthened to suffer with him and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Return of Palm Crosses: Palm branches from last year may be collected today in preparation for making the ashes to be used on Ash Wednesday. A notice should be given the previous Sunday to remind the faithful to return palms today.

Morning Prayer: Ps 148, 149, 150; Dt 6:1-9; Heb 12:18-29; Coll 418

Holy Eucharist: Propers 418; Ex 24:12-18; Ps 2 or 99; 2 Pet 1:16-21; Mt 17:1-9; Preface of the Incarnation

Evening Prayer: Ps 114, 115; (Sir 48:1-11); Jn 12:24-32; Coll 418

Link to full text for this day.