Epiphany to Lent 2017

This Proper is always used on the Sunday before Ash Wednesday

O God, who before the passion of thy only-begotten Son didst reveal his glory upon the holy mount: Grant unto us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

-         1979 Book of Common Prayer, p. 165

Since September, a group of parishioners have walked through the Book of Common Prayer, reading it page by page, section by section, and gaining an appreciation for the wonderful history of faith that it provides, but also the opportunities for creative worship and local flavor that it allows.

We have come to recognize the gifts of daily prayer, whether or not we are actively engaged in it or not, and the design of seasons by which we mark our year in faith from Advent through Pentecost, reflecting on our Baptismal Covenant and how the liturgical progress helps to reinforce, year after year, that we are called by God, saved by God, and sent forth by God.

We are now coming to the end of Epiphany, which this year seems to have had strong significance. Perhaps it’s because we have seen our communities and nation challenged by fractious attitudes; maybe it’s because we’ve been personally challenged to keep our own lights of faith and love lit and in public view of all. This collect, which brings to an end the season by which we have looked for evidence of Jesus of Nazareth as our Messiah and Lord, ask not just for the light that shines in darkness, but for a light that is even stronger. The Light we seek is not a single candlelight; it is a a burning flame, blinding, emanating from a Transfigured form of Christ that burns in its brightness. It is this light that ultimately shocked the disciples and struck fear into the hearts of the powers of the day – both the Empire in Rome and Pharisees in Temple in Jerusalem.

This Light, which has grown from week to week through our long Ephipany season this liturgical year, is now strong enough to guide us through the darkest times, even as we stand in the shadow of the Cross. We need not fear; we need only remember: when we are reduced to anxiousness and even tears, the Light of Christ will be there to lift us back up, as we are also restored by Christ’s glory in our own glory.

It may well be that, as we enter into Lent in this particular year, in our particular context, that our cross may seem heavier than it has in years past. Maybe that’s why a long Epiphany may be more than just a calendar fluke. Maybe this year, more than any recent year, we’ve needed this extra time to see the Light, hold the Light, and courageously lift the Light. With the Light of Christ in one hand, and the Cross of Christ in the other, we will be ready, even should the moment of darkness come.

We are the Light of the World!

Peace in Jesus Christ, in whom we live, move, and have our being,

Fr. Shawn