This Glimpse of Glory

The Last Sunday after the Epiphany
March 3, 2019

Note: Today marks the completion of the first year of Praying Twice, which began on the First Sunday in Lent 2018. If you enjoy reading these weekly posts, please consider leaving a comment and subscribing. (Click on the "Subscribe" button at the top of this page.) We've had over 4,600 page views this year, and I'm grateful for your readership and support. MWB


"Transfiguration" by Lewis Bowman

This Sunday's gospel reading describes the Transfiguration. Jesus appears to his disciples in shining splendor before his journey to Jerusalem and the events of Holy Week.

During this season of Sundays after the Epiphany, we have heard gospel readings describing Jesus' work and ministry, his miracles, and the ways in which his divinity is made manifest. On this last Sunday, we see him revealed in "resplendent light" (Hymn 135), and, as on the first Sunday after the Epiphany, hear his divinity proclaimed by a heavenly voice. Thus, the season closes with perfect symmetry, preparing us for the beginning of Lent.

This morning's offertory anthem is a hymn arrangement entitled "This Glimpse of Glory." The text is written by a renowned hymn poet and Episcopal priest, the Reverend Carl P. Daw, Jr. It not only describes the Transfiguration, but it also explains its meaning and challenges us to carry the light of Christ into the world.

We have come at Christ’s own bidding     
to this high and holy place, 
where we wait with hope and longing     
for some token of God’s grace. 
Here we pray for new assurance     
that our faith is not in vain, 
searching like those first disciples     
for a sign both clear and plain.

Light breaks in upon our darkness,     
splendor bathes the flesh-joined Word, 
Moses and Elijah marvel     
as the heavenly voice is heard. 
Eyes and hearts behold with wonder     
how the Law and Prophets meet: 
Christ, with garments drenched in brightness,     
stands transfigured and complete.
Strengthened by this glimpse of glory,     
fearful lest our faith decline, 
we like Peter find it tempting     
to remain and build a shrine. 
But true worship gives us courage     
to proclaim what we profess, 
that our daily lives may prove us     
people of the God we bless.

Text: Carl P. Daw, Jr., 1988. ©1988 Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved. 

The composer of the tune (Brewer) is David Ashley White, a well-known composer and professor at The University of Houston. The tune is named for Robert Brewer, a talented organist and choir director who worked in Houston for many years. The hymn was commissioned by the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Dallas, Texas. I'm honored to say that I know all of these individuals and that church, so this hymn is a particular favorite of mine. I'm pleased to share it with all of you today; the choirs will sing stanzas 1 and 2, then the congregation will be invited to join in singing stanza 3. 

We invite you to raise your voices in joyful song as we celebrate this festive day and the conclusion of a glorious season.

Music for The Last Sunday after the Epiphany
March 3, 2019

Hymns
135   Songs of thankfulness and praise (Salzburg)
129   Christ upon the mountain peak (Mowsley)
137   O wondrous type! O vision fair (Wareham) 
347   Go forth for God! Go to the world in peace (Litton)

Service Music
S-277   Gloria in excelsis   New Plainsong, David Hurd
Psalm 99   St. Martin's Psalter, Thomas Pavlechko
S-125   Sanctus   A Community Mass, Richard Proulx
S-154   Fraction Anthem   New Plainsong, David Hurd

Anthems
This Glimpse of Glory   -David Ashley White
I Received the Living God   -arr. Richard Proulx

Organ Music 
Chorale Prelude on Salzburg   -Gerald Near  
Fanfare   -Antonio Soler



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