NOTE FROM PASTOR J R FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021
This Sunday is “Transfiguration Sunday.” It’s the last Sunday of observing the Sundays after the Epiphany of Our Lord.
This Sunday is also Valentine’s Day. It marks the celebration of Valentinus of Rome. We call him today St. Valentine. Valentinus was a physician and a clergyman during the time of the Roman Empire. He is best known for his ministry to persecuted Christians allowing them to marry in secret after Emperor Claudius banned marriages during wartime to encourage the men to battle. But Valentine was also known as a healer and comforter to the sick. He was killed, martyred, on February 14 in the year 270 at the age of 44.
To jointly observe both occasions this Sunday, based on the assigned lectionary scriptures, we invite you to commemorate Valentine’s Day 2021 by “being transfigured, not just transformed.” You may ask: What is the difference? Well, in the literal definitions of the words, being transformed, means to be changed in outward form or appearance, while being transfigured means to be transformed outward for the better. The phrase “for the better,” makes all the difference as not all transformations are for the better. Transfiguration describes transformations that are always for the better.
While these 2 terms are usually talking about outward changes, they also apply to inward changes. To be transformed will always change you emotionally & spiritually; but it may not always be for the better. However, to be transfigured describes when God has shown up unexpectedly to make the transformation for the better. And when that happens it prepares us with mountaintop experiences to life in the valleys.
So, joint us at Covenant for worship on this special Transfiguration and Valentine’s Day Sunday. My sermon will be “Valentine’s Day: Be Transfigured, not just Transformed” based on II Corinthians 4:3-6 and Mark 9:2-9.
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