Lectionary Readings for Sunday, March 2, 2025 (Transfiguration Sunday, Year C)
The interwoven story of Christ in the Scriptures
Enter the Story
Transfiguration Sunday is the final Sunday before Lent begins, marking a transition from Epiphany’s revelations to the journey toward the cross. It commemorates the moment when Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a mountain, where his appearance changed, his clothes became dazzling white, and Moses and Elijah appeared beside him (Luke 9:28-36; Matthew 17:1-9; Mark 9:2-9).
Historically, Transfiguration Sunday serves as a bridge:
• It closes Epiphany, a season where we’ve seen Jesus revealed as the Light of the World.
• It prepares us for Lent, where Jesus descends the mountain and heads toward the cross.
This moment foreshadows both resurrection glory and crucifixion suffering—reminding us that true transformation requires both revelation and sacrifice.
How We Can Enter the Story: Transfiguration Sunday invites us to see Jesus fully revealed—not just as a teacher or prophet, but as God’s Son, the Chosen One. But it also calls us to be transformed, to listen, follow, and serve. We are not meant to stay on the mountain, but to carry the light we’ve seen into the world’s darkest places. The question is: How will we respond? Are we ready to follow Jesus down the mountain, through the wilderness, and toward the cross?
Weekly Collect
O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to 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 lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Monday, 2.24.25 - Luke 9:28-36, [37-43a]
Introduction
The Transfiguration is a pivotal moment in Luke's Gospel, occurring shortly after Peter confesses Jesus as the Messiah (Luke 9:20). This event mirrors Moses' encounter with God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34) and anticipates Jesus' resurrection glory.
Luke, writing around 80-90 CE, emphasizes Jesus' identity as the fulfillment of the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah). The setting on a mountain symbolizes divine revelation, and the cloud echoes God's presence in the Exodus story.
The second part of the passage (Luke 9:37-43a) contrasts this moment of divine glory with the disciples' struggle to heal a demon-possessed boy, reminding us that encountering God's glory should lead us into the world's needs.
Luke 9:28-36, [37-43a] (NRSVue)
28 Now about eight days after these sayings, Jesus took with him Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray.
29 And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white.
30 Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him.
31 They appeared in glory and were speaking about his departure, which he was about to accomplish in Jerusalem.
32 Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep, but when they were fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him.
33 Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah," not realizing what he was saying.
34 While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were terrified as they entered the cloud.
35 Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!"
36 When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.
37 On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him.
38 Just then a man from the crowd shouted, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child.
39 Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It throws him into convulsions until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him.
40 I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not."
41 Jesus answered, "You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here."
42 While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.
43a And all were astounded at the greatness of God.
Key Insights
Jesus' divine love as glory revealed—a moment of confirmation before his journey to the cross.
Moses & Elijah represent the Law and the Prophets, both pointing to Jesus.
Peter wants to stay on the mountain—but faith must move into action.
The cloud and the voice (v.35) echo Jesus' baptism, confirming him as God's Son.
Coming down from the mountain (vv.37-43) reminds us that faith is lived in everyday struggles, not just in mountaintop experiences.
Tuesday, 2.25.25 - 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Introduction
Paul, writing to the Corinthians (c. 55 CE), contrasts the temporary glory of Moses' shining face (Exodus 34) with the permanent transformation brought by Christ. The "veil" symbolizes spiritual blindness, while Jesus brings clarity and freedom through the Spirit.
The literary style here is deeply theological, using contrast and imagery to show how Christ's new covenant surpasses the old. Paul urges believers to live with boldness, transparency, and transformation.
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 (NRSVue)
12 Since we have such a hope, we act with complete boldness,
13 not like Moses, who put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from gazing steadily at the end of the glory that was being set aside.
14 But their minds were hardened. Indeed, to this very day, when they hear the reading of the old covenant, that same veil is still there, since only in Christ is it set aside.
15 Indeed, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds,
16 but when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.
17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
18 And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another, for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.
4:1 Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart.
4:2 But we have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.
Key Insights
The "veil" represents spiritual blindness—Jesus removes it, allowing us to see clearly.
Transformation into Christ's image (v.18)—faith is a lifelong process of renewal.
"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (v.17)—this is not legalism, but liberation.
Paul calls for transparency (4:2)—faith should be lived with honesty and integrity.
This passage asks us: How are we being transformed? Where do we need spiritual clarity?
Wednesday, 2.27.25 - Exodus 34:29-35
Introduction
This passage is part of Moses' second ascent of Mount Sinai, after the first set of stone tablets was broken (Exodus 32). It follows the renewal of the covenant, where God reaffirms his relationship with Israel despite their rebellion with the golden calf.
The shining face of Moses represents the radiance of divine encounter, similar to how Jesus is transfigured in Luke 9. However, while Moses' glory fades, Paul later argues in 2 Corinthians 3 that Christ's glory is eternal.
The literary style of this passage is theophanic (describing divine appearances), reinforcing the unapproachable holiness of God—yet also hinting at a deeper transformation that foreshadows Christ.
Exodus 34:29-35 (NRSVue)
29 Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God.
30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him.
31 But Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them.
32 Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai.
33 When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face,
34 but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off until he came out, and when he came out and told the Israelites what had been commanded,
35 the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining, and Moses would put the veil on his face again until he went in to speak with him.
Key Insights
Moses' face shines after being in God's presence, showing the transformative power of divine encounter.
The people are afraid of Moses' radiance—this reflects their distance from God's holiness.
Moses wears a veil (v.33)—a symbol of separation, later used by Paul in 2 Corinthians 3 to contrast the temporary nature of this glory with the permanent transformation in Christ.
Direct access to God is limited in this moment, but in Christ, the veil is removed (2 Corinthians 3:16).
The passage asks us: How does encountering God change us? Are we allowing God's presence to transform us?
Thursday, 2.28.25 - Psalm 99
Introduction
Psalm 99 is a royal psalm that proclaims God's holiness, justice, and power over all nations. Scholars believe this psalm was likely composed during the post-exilic period (6th–5th century BCE), when Israel was reaffirming God's kingship despite the loss of their earthly monarchy.
The literary structure follows a threefold declaration of God's holiness (vv.3, 5, 9)—reinforcing that God is wholly "other" yet still intimately involved with his people. The references to Moses, Aaron, and Samuel highlight God's history of faithfulness through leaders and prophets.
Psalm 99 (NRSVue)
1 The Lord is king; let the peoples tremble!He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!
2 The Lord is great in Zion; he is exalted over all the peoples.
3 Let them praise your great and awesome name. Holy is he!
4 Mighty King, lover of justice, you have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.
5 Extol the Lord our God; worship at his footstool. Holy is he!
6 Moses and Aaron were among his priests; Samuel also was among those who called on his name. They cried to the Lord, and he answered them.
7 He spoke to them in the pillar of cloud; they kept his decrees and the statutes that he gave them.
8 O Lord our God, you answered them; you were a forgiving God to them, but an avenger of their wrongdoings.
9 Extol the Lord our God, and worship at his holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy.
Key Insights
"The Lord is king" (v.1)—this psalm proclaims God's ultimate reign over all nations.
Justice and holiness go hand in hand—God's holiness is not just otherness but includes equity and righteousness (v.4).
Moses, Aaron, and Samuel (v.6)—leaders who mediated between God and the people, reminding us that God remains faithful through generations.
"He spoke to them in the pillar of cloud" (v.7)—a direct reference to God's presence in the wilderness.
The call to worship (vv.5, 9)—worship is not just a practice but a response to God's holiness.
The passage asks us: How do we recognize and respond to God's justice, holiness, and reign in our lives?
Friday, 3.1.25 - Find the Intersections
1. Experiencing God's Love in Glory
Jesus is transfigured in brilliant light, not to show power, but to reveal God's deep love and purpose for him (Luke 9:28-36)
Moses' face glows because he has been in the presence of God's love (Exodus 34:29-35)
Paul describes transformation through the Spirit, where God's love reshapes us from the inside out (2 Corinthians 3:12-18)
Psalm 99 praises God's holiness, which isn't distant or harsh, but full of justice, mercy, and steadfast love
2. Temporary vs. Eternal Love
Moses' shining face fades, showing that encounters with God's love need renewal, but Christ's love is everlasting (2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2)
The Transfiguration foreshadows Jesus' resurrection, proving that his love is stronger than death and will never fade (Luke 9:28-36)
3. Removing Barriers to Love
Moses covers his face because the people are afraid of God's presence (Exodus 34:33)
Paul explains that Jesus removes the veil, opening the way for everyone to fully experience God's love and be transformed by it (2 Corinthians 3:16)
4. Responding to Love Through Worship
The disciples are awestruck and silent after the Transfiguration, overwhelmed not just by the light but by the depth of God's love shining through Jesus (Luke 9:36)
Psalm 99 calls people to worship, not out of fear, but in response to God's faithful and just love
5. Love That Moves Us Toward Others
Jesus and his disciples leave the mountain because love doesn't stay in isolated moments—it moves into the world to heal and restore (Luke 9:37-43)
Paul calls believers to be bold in faith, not holding back the love of God but sharing it freely (2 Corinthians 3:12)
Moses doesn't remain in the presence of God alone—he returns to guide the people in love (Exodus 34)
Big Idea: God's glory is God's love fully revealed. It's not just about light or power—it's about the love that transforms us and sends us out to bring healing, justice, and mercy to the world.
What Intersections did you find?