The Last Sunday after 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., St. Luke 9:26-38). 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).

Although August 6 has been one traditional date to observe the Transfiguration, beginning in the sixteenth century, some Protestants observed it on the last Sunday before Lent. This custom views 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 custom resurfaced in recent common lectionaries. From the 1970s onward, a Transfiguration gospel has been used on the Last Sunday of Epiphany (or the Last Sunday before Lent) in all three years among many Anglicans, Lutherans, and others. This certainly seems both a biblical and reasonable way to conclude the Epiphany season. It is an appropriate reminder of our Lord's glory before we enter the somber season of Lent and the journey to the Cross.

Epiphany 7/Second Sunday before Lent (year C)- John 20:19-31

The 2019 ACNA Book of Common Prayer indicates that this Sunday can be used to emphasize world missions, and this year assigns John 20:19-31 for the Gospel reading. The key verse related to this theme is John 20:21, "So Jesus said to them again, 'Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you'” (NKJV). Thus, on His first resurrection appearance to the gathered disciples, our Lord commissions them to be in mission and ministry. They are sent into the world to continue His ministry. They are to share the good news or Gospel, and as the following verses indicate, a key element of that good news is the forgiveness of sins. The whole life of the Christian Church centers on the possibility of forgiveness through the crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ. Christian preaching, Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and indeed all the rites of the Church are meant to convey this message. In our personal lives of faith and in our witness to others near and far, we are all sent with this Gospel mission!

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

The Gospel for Epiphany 6 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. 

This Gospel is a call story, and it applies to more than just the ancient 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.