Transfiguration On the Brink of Lent
Transfiguration Sunday is a great way to remind ourselves that God is still present and active in the world today.
This coming Sunday, 2/11/2024, is Transfiguration Sunday, one of my favorite Sundays of the liturgical year. And it isn’t my favorite just because I get to anoint everyone with glitter! It’s a favorite because we focus on the power of the Holy Spirit which dwells within us all and calls us into a life of Love.
Having this reminder of the indwelling Spirit is the perfect end to the Epiphany season while also providing an excellent foundation as we head into Lent. Who among us does not need a reminder that we are filled with the Spirit and that the Spirit shines in and through us all the time? We can witness transfiguration or be transfigured at any moment.
This is both scary and exciting, isn’t it? We bring the brilliant shine of God into the world, sometimes knowingly though usually unintentionally.
As we celebrate the Light of Love on Sunday, we can’t escape the reality that Lent begins on Wednesday. RAT has great things planned for us the Lent. Our theme is “From Fear to Hope.” We will explore the wilderness of fear while seeking hope in community and faith with the Prophet Amos as our guide.
Lent promises to be an amazing adventure this year. Before we begin, though, we have an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the dazzling shine of God’s Love for us, in us, and through us.
Transfiguration Sunday is a great way to remind ourselves that God is still present and active in the world today, primarily in human beings. We will carry this reminder into Lent as Ash Wednesday affirms both our humanity and our need for God.
I hope you will join us in person or on Zoom as we embrace the holiness of the coming season.
About Rachael Keefe
Rev. Dr. Rachael Keefe is the pastor of Living Table United Church of Christ. She was called to Living Table in 2015 after serving in many varied ministry settings since her ordination in 1992. She holds graduate degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and Andover Newton Seminary at Yale (formerly Andover Newton Theological School). Her ministry and leadership often center around advocacy and accessibility. Her writing has been published by Chalice Press, The Christian Century, Red Letter Christians, Working Preacher, RevGalBlogPals, and others. She is grateful to be in ministry with Living Table today.
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Ah, the brilliant shine of God that carries us from fear to hope. Just what I need. Seems lately there’s a whole lot more of fear in my life than hope.
Barb, the Light of Hope will shine through and likely surprise you one day.