Sermons – Ordinary Time before Lent 2026
- Mountains in Scripture symbolize places where heaven and earth meet; encounters with God transform us but send us back into ordinary life changed.
- The sermon centres on the Transfiguration in Matthew as a pivotal revelation of Jesus as the bridge between heaven and earth.
- Jesus brings Peter, James, and John up the mountain to pray; his face shines like the sun and his clothes become dazzling, revealing divine glory.
- Moses (Law) and Elijah (Prophets) appear, speaking with Jesus about his coming departure in Jerusalem, foreshadowing the cross.
- The Transfiguration holds both radiant glory and the shadow of suffering, preparing disciples for the passion and modelling how prayer faces real-world pain.
- Peter’s impulse to build shelters is corrected by the divine command: “This is my Son… listen to him,” emphasizing attentive listening over impulsive action.
- Prayer is portrayed as an adventurous ascent with rare spiritual “peaks,” amid mostly ordinary, sometimes arduous, daily faithfulness.
- Personal anecdote: “Climb Every Mountain” from The Sound of Music evokes the joy and perseverance of spiritual climbing and moments we wish to “bottle.”
- As Lent begins (Ash Wednesday service on the 18th at 10am), the congregation is invited to prepare intentionally through prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and a Lent course.
- Like mountaineering, Lent requires preparation; the Transfiguration strengthens faith to follow Jesus through light and darkness toward the cross and resurrection—trust him, follow him, listen to him.
- Central theme: Jesus’ instruction “Do not worry” invites trust in God rather than anxiety that erodes our relationship with Him.
- Liturgical context: Positioned between Epiphany/Candlemas and Lent, the reading reframes concerns as we prepare to follow Christ to the cross and resurrection.
- Worry alienates us from God; recognizing ourselves as cared-for members of His kingdom changes the tone of our anxieties.
- Jesus exemplifies joy and trust amid hardship—homelessness, opposition, grief, betrayal, and crucifixion—showing a life not ruled by worry.
- Creation imagery from Galilee (birds, flowers, hills, lake) illustrates the Father’s providence: if God lavishes beauty on fleeting flowers, how much more on us.
- Life is a gift to be enjoyed in relationship with God; externals (possessions, adornments, pleasures) are secondary, not ultimate.
- Critique of gloom-based religiosity: God is not chiefly a rule-maker inducing guilt; Jesus invites freedom and joy rooted in divine love.
- Anecdote: Young women living with nuns discover worth beyond makeup and fashion; God’s love restores self-esteem and quiets worry.
- Lenten application: Christ carries our unworthiness and anxieties to the grave; His resurrection opens a new day—seek first His kingdom, not others’ opinions.
- Conclusion with Augustine: “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you”—rest in God brings less worry, more joy, hope, and purpose in Jesus’ name.
