SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15: As the Lenten season draws near, Christians make the transition from Epiphany to enter the Lenten season of repentance and solemnity—starting with the Feast of the Transfiguration.
Though Orthodox Christians and Roman Catholics observe Transfiguration Sunday in August, several Christian denominations observe the last Sunday in the Epiphany season for this event. With Ash Wednesday approaching in a few days, the Transfiguration initiates a turn of events in the ministry of Jesus.
How does Bach’s music exquisitely illustrate the events of Transfiguration Sunday? Read the musings of a Lutheran musician, at Notes from the Bench.
Want to dive even deeper into sacred time? Another name for this special Sunday is Quinquagesima. The Latin term refers to 50 days before Easter, based on a traditional Christian method of counting the days. Wikipedia explains more about that tongue-twister of a term.
Mark’s version of the story of the Transfiguration details Jesus as having trekked to a mountaintop with three of his disciples: Peter, James and John. Once atop the mountain, Jesus begins to transform, with his clothes turning the brightest white. (Wikipedia has details.) Jesus is joined by Moses and Elijah, and from a dark cloud comes the voice of God: “This is my son, the beloved; listen to him!” Shaken, the disciples make their way back down the mountain with Jesus, who orders his three companions not to speak of the events they have seen.
By the 9th century, forms of the Feast of the Transfiguration were present in the Christian Church.
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