Sunday Worship
Our services on the last Sunday before Lent are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11.00 am at St Thomas'. If you are unable to be with us in person, you can find the Gospel, a short reflection and a prayer below.
Luke 9:28-36 “The Transfiguration”
Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"--not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.
Reflection
We hear the story of the Transfiguration in the Gospel today, though the feast for this is on the 6th August.
I feel I learn something from this story every year, and this time I am drawn to the line, “now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep…” The pull of tiredness can be overwhelming after a long day but when we are overtired in our hearts and minds, we can fall asleep to what is going on around us. There is another story of Jesus praying and the disciples wrestling with sleep in the garden of Gethsemane. They are weighed down with grief and miss staying present with their Lord who would be taken from them that night. As we travel towards Lent in a few days, think about the ways in which we can stay awake to the call of Jesus, how can we keep our light lit and our hearts alert to Him? If we as disciples start to nod off, help us Lord to keep our eyes fixed on you and not ourselves.
Amy Elizabeth
Prayer
Your true magnificence is beyond our human comprehension.
You showed your full glory to Peter, John and James
In the presence of Moses and Elijah.
As Jesus prayed and talked with the prophets,
You commanded His disciples to Listen to Him,
Help us too to open our ears
And listen to your will as we pray.
Radiant God, source of light,
as you transformed Jesus and showed us his glory,
so, you come to us in blinding brightness.
Let us also witness your glory and splendour
and feel the presence of our Lord Jesus
Whose love for us lights the world.
Amen
