Last Sunday after Christmas: The Transfiguration

Kindly find posted below the proper proposed for liturgical use on the Last Sunday after Christmas, 26 February 2006. For those local churches celebrating according to eastern rites, also posted below is the proper for Ash Monday, marking the beginning of the Great Lent. This proper may be inserted at Ramsho (vespers, evening prayer) on Sunday evening, accompanied by the imposition of ashes. The proper is also suitable for western-rite usage on Ash Wednesday. May the Lord bless you and your loved ones through the remainder of Christmastide.


Last Sunday after Christmas: "The Transfiguration of Jesus"

Prayer:
Almighty Father, your Son was revealed in majesty before he suffered death on the cross. Through your Spirit give us the vision to perceive your Son's glory, so that we may be strengthened to suffer with him and be transformed into his likeness, from glory unto glory. We ask this through your incarnate Word, Christ Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Corpus of Lectionary Citations:

Torah or History:
Exodus 24:12-18
Exodus 34:29-35

Psalm 99

Wisdom:
Job 5:8-16
Prophets:
Daniel 7:9-10,13-14

Deuterocanonical:
Sirach 45:6-22

Apostolic Epistle:
2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2
2 Corinthians 4:3-6
Philippians 3:12-4:1

Apostolic Account:
Revelation 19:1-8

Gospel:
Matthew 17:1-9
Mark 9:2-13
Luke 9:28-36

Proposed Readings for the Divine Liturgy:

Year A (2008)
Exodus 24:12-18
Psalm 99
Revelation 19:1-8
Matthew 17:1-9

Year B (2006)
Exodus 34:29-35
Psalm 99
Revelation 19:1-8
Mark 9:2-13

Year C (2007)
Daniel 7:9-10,13-14
Psalm 99
Revelation 19:1-8
Luke 9:28-36

Post-Communion Prayer:
Gracious Father, we are ever grateful for the gift of your incarnate Word. From this eucharist send us forth to be joyful messengers of your saving goodness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.


The Beginning of Lent : Ash Monday (eastern rites)
or Ash Wednesday (western rites)

Prayer:
Merciful Father, your Spirit awakens deep within our souls the awareness of our sinfulness and of our need of your healing mercy. Your Son Jesus taught that you forgive the sins of those who approach you with humble and contrite hearts. May your Spirit inspire our repentance, conversion, and renewal and lead us from ashes to Pascha (Easter) unto the forgiveness of sins and the fullness of your kingdom. We ask this through your Son, our Lord Christ Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Proposed Lectionary Citations:

Year A, B, and C
Joel 2:12-18
Psalm 51:3-6,12-14,17
2 Corinthians 5:20--6:2
Matthew 6:1-6,16-18

Imposition of Ashes:
Priest: Remember ... that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.
or
Priest: Repent and believe in the gospel.

Post-Communion Prayer:
Gracious Father, we thank you for the nourishment that you have shared with us to encourage and strengthen us, as your Spirit leads us to growth in holiness. Through that same Spirit lead us unto the fullness of new life. We ask this through Christ Jesus our Lord.