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In the summer of 2022, I had the enormous privilege of going on my first trip to the land of Israel. On this trip I was able to walk the streets of Jerusalem, survey the land of the Galilee, and stroll along the shores of Capernaum. One thing that struck me as I rushed to-and-fro between holy sites was the theological impact and spiritual importance of experiencing the land I had read about all my life. My eyes were opened to the realities that were written of by saints long ago, as my eyes saw the hills which King David meditated upon in the Psalms or the streets upon which our Lord himself walked. I hope these few photos of my first pilgrimage to the Holy Land will bless you and inspire you to begin planning your journey. The Lord be with you.

PRAYER FOR THE 3^rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Sustain us, O God, on our Advent journey as we go forth to welcome the One who is to come; and make haste to help us as we seek to understand what we went out to see in the Advent wilderness: your patience nurturing your saving purpose to fulfillment, your power in Jesus making all things new.

Benedictine Daily Prayer – A Short Breviary

About the Artist:

Jonathan Bekker is a current MDiv. student at Regent University School of Divinity. He is currently pursuing ordination in the Anglican Church of North America. 

Map of  where the photos were taken:

Passage: St. Matthew 21:6-11 ESV

“⁶ The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. ⁷ They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. ⁸ Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. ⁹ And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’ ¹⁰ And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, ‘Who is this?’ ¹¹ And the crowds said, ‘This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.’”

Reflection:

            This passage from the Gospel according to St. Matthew might seem quite the odd choice for a reflection during the season of advent, however, the connection between this paschal passage and Advent serves as a good starting point for our pilgrimage. As we enter the Advent season let us remember the meaning of its name. Adventus means “coming” or “arrival.” How fitting then that we begin by reflecting upon the King’s arrival and entrance of his royal city set to the music of “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” During this quiet and festive season let us set apart some time to prepare our hearts to cry the same song upon his return!

Prayer:

O Lord Jesus Christ, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise make ready your way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient toward the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world, we may be found a people acceptable in your sight; for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Prayer for the Third Sunday of Advent – Book of Common Prayer 2019

Passage: St. Luke 1:46-55 ESV

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
⁴⁷     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
⁴⁸ for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
    For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
⁴⁹ for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name.
⁵⁰ And his mercy is for those who fear him
    from generation to generation.
⁵¹ He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
⁵² he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
    and exalted those of humble estate;
⁵³ he has filled the hungry with good things,
    and the rich he has sent away empty.
⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
⁵⁵ as he spoke to our fathers,
    to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Reflection:

            The beautiful mosaic photographed here is of the holy family (Joseph, left, Mary, center, and Christ, right) and is located at the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth. In the first chapter of the Gospel according to St. Luke we read of the annunciation in which the angel Gabriel comes to the Virgin Mary and announces to her the mystery of the Incarnation. While the incarnation is not the focus of Advent, we must take time to reflect on the first coming of Christ in the flesh during this season. For it is because we have known Him as he is revealed in His incarnation, that we will be able to know Him in His victorious return. Therefore, we can join in the company of the saints, and as the Blessed Virgin sang, so can we, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my savior!”

Prayer:

Higher than the heavens, O Lord our God, and deeper than the nether world is your steadfast mercy and unwearied love, revealed in the child we call Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us, until the end of time. Make us as obedient as Mary in embracing the mystery of your will, as unafraid as Joseph in welcoming the unfolding of your purpose. May the promises of the Gospel embrace us all. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who was, who is and who is to come, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer for the 4^th Sunday of Advent – Benedictine Daily Prayer: A Short Breviary

Passage: St. Luke 2:22-32 ESV

“²² And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord ²³ (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, ‘Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord’) ²⁴ and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, 'a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.’ ²⁵ Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. ²⁶ And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. ²⁷ And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, ²⁸ he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

²⁹ ‘Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
    according to your word;
³⁰ for my eyes have seen your salvation
³¹     that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
    and for glory to your people Israel.’”

Reflection:

            What is pictured here are the remnants of Robinson’s Arch, which served as a staircase entrance into the southwestern corner of the Temple Mount. An interesting historical note concerning the arch is that it was built by Herod the Great, whom, you will remember, was the king during the time of Christ’s birth. Very likely then, Christ, along with Joseph and the Virgin Mary, may have entered this way into the temple mount when the famous words of the Song of Simeon would have been spoken over him. Meditating upon the words of Simeon’s joy and as we enter the wintertime, when days shorten and nights become cold and dark, let us remember, with longing, he who is called “a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” During Advent we patiently await the second coming of the light of God.

Prayer:

Almighty and everliving God, we humbly pray that, as your only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in the substance of our flesh, so we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts by Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Prayer for the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple – Book of Common Prayer 2019

Passage: St. Luke 2:41-47 ESV

“⁴¹ Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. ⁴² And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. ⁴³ And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, ⁴⁴ but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, ⁴⁵ and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. ⁴⁶ After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. ⁴⁷ And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.”

Reflection:

            Standing upon the southern steps and looking above to the entrance to the temple mount I cannot help but reflect on the generations who ascended the pilgrim’s path yearly as they went up to the temple to observe various Jewish feasts. In the Gospel of St. Luke, we read about one such family that likely ascended this very path to observe the Feast of Passover. After leaving, however, Joseph and Mary realize that the young Jesus is missing. One can imagine them running up this path desperately hoping to finally find their missing son. Upon entering the temple, they witness something remarkable; Christ seated with the teachers listening and displaying his wisdom and understanding. How can this story impact our Advent meditations? Here we witness the tender heart and character of our Lord Jesus. He did not come in glorious power to intimidate and oppress, but he came in humility with a gentle and lowly heart desiring to teach His people the mysteries of Holy Scripture. This is the same Lord, meek and mild, whose return we eagerly await.

Prayer:

Gracious God and most merciful Father, you have granted us the rich and precious jewel of your holy Word: Assist us with your Spirit, that the same Word may be written in our hearts to our everlasting comfort, to reform us, to renew us according to your own image, to build us up and edify us into the perfect dwelling place of your Christ, sanctifying and increasing in us all heavenly virtues; grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

For Inner Renewal Through the Word – Book of Common Prayer 2019

Passage: St. Matthew 5:2-12 ESV

² And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

^3 ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

^4 ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

^5 ‘Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

^6 ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

^7 ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

^8 ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

⁹ ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons^[a] of God.

¹⁰ ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ ‘Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’”

Reflection:

            Perhaps one of the most beloved portions of Holy Scripture, the Beatitudes, invite us to reflect on the characteristics present in citizens of the kingdom of God. Characteristics embodied in the King and commended to us His beloved. Many of these virtues appear, at first glance, counter intuitive. We are told “blessed are the poor in spirit…blessed are those who mourn…” it is this counter intuitive meditation that opens our eyes to the divine mysteries revealed in Christ. Likewise, Advent invites us into counter intuitive meditation. As the days go dark and cold we are invited to contemplate light! The beatitudes place us in a position of humility and dependence upon God from which we are better suited to behold Him. Likewise with Advent we are placed in a season of darkness and anticipation in which we are better suited to contemplate the light of God. For amidst the dark canvas of the night the candle of Christ’s coming is lit.

Prayer:

Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy thought can drag down; an unconquered heart, which no tribulation can wear out; an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose can tempt aside. Bestow upon me understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and faithfulness that finally may embrace you. Amen.

For A Virtuous Heart, by Thomas Aquinas – Book of Common Prayer 2019

Passage: St. Luke 19:41-44 ESV

“⁴¹ And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, ⁴² saying, ‘Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. ⁴³ For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side ⁴⁴ and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.’”

Reflection:

            Similar to our first passage this selection from the Gospel according to St. Luke might seem quite the strange choice for an Advent reflection. The picture here is of the inside of a church called Dominus Flevit, meaning, “the Lord wept.” This church is located on the side of the Mount of Olives overlooking the Temple Mount, and it is traditionally associated with the place where Christ wept and spoke the words recorded here by St. Luke. Why then choose this for an Advent reflection? In celebrating Advent, we often confuse its meaning by confusing it with Christmas. In Christmas we celebrate the birth of Christ. In Advent, however, contrary to what some think we do not celebrate the first coming of Christ. Advent, rather, is about longing for and patiently awaiting the second coming of Christ in victory. Thus, by reflecting on Christ’s bitter words about the destruction of Jerusalem, we wait with eager expectation of his return and Zion’s restoration. Likewise, we remember that even amidst life’s darkest times, we still hold onto the hope of God’s light.

Prayer:

Most loving Father, you will us to give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on the One who cares for us. Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested unto us in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Trustfulness in Times of Worry and Anxiety – Book of Common Prayer 2019

Passage: St. John 1:1-14 ESV

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. ⁴ In him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

⁶ There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. ⁷ He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. ⁸ He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

⁹ The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. ¹⁰ He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. ¹¹ He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. ¹² But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, ¹³ who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Reflection:

            Here, in the Gospel according to St. John, we read about the Word of God, He who was in the beginning with the Father, He through whom and for whom all creation was made. Why reflect upon this at the foot of the Church of All Nations in Gethsemane? Consider two points the church’s name and its location. Christ, the eternal Word of God, entered the world to suffer for the salvation of all people [of all nations]. What better place to reflect on the grace of God and Christ’s entrance into the world than at the foot of the Mount of Olives, in the garden of the Lord’s suffering? Here in the dark evenings of Advent, we remember He who is the light of the world who entered this world for the salvation of all people. He is the light that pierces the darkness, whom the darkness cannot overcome.

Prayer:

Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, kindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Prayer for the First Sunday of Christmas – Book of Common Prayer 2019

Passage: Revelation of St. John 7:9-12 ESV

“⁹ After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, ¹⁰ and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’ ¹¹ And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, ¹² saying, ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.’”

Reflection:

            In his apocalypse St. John receives a vision of Christ seated on the throne surrounded by the company of the faithful and all angelic hosts singing the glories of His name. Here St. John notes a profound and beautiful mystery that awaits us at the end of the age. Christ enthroned, surrounded by those of every nation, every tribe, every people, and every language. What a marvelous sight! This is Advent hope! Christ enthroned and surrounded by His beloved saints. This is what we look forward to during Advent season, Christ returning to gather his people from every corner of the earth and uniting them in Himself.

Prayer:

Merciful and faithful God, you sent your only-begotten Son, the teacher of truth and the font of reconciliation, to gather the warring nations of earth into the peace of your everlasting reign. Stir up within us the spirit of joyful expectation, that, leaving behind the night, we may run to greet your day as it draws near, and gladly welcome your Christ wherever he reveals himself, the Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

First Sunday of Advent – Benedictine Daily Prayer: A Short Breviary

Passage: Revelation of St. John 5:6-14 ESV

“⁶ And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. ⁷ And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. ⁸ And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. ⁹ And they sang a new song, saying,

‘Worthy are you to take the scroll
    and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
    from every tribe and language and people and nation,
¹⁰ and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
    and they shall reign on the earth.’

¹¹ Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, ¹² saying with a loud voice,

‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!’

¹³ And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,

‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!’

¹⁴ And the four living creatures said, ‘Amen!’ and the elders fell down and worshiped.”

Reflection:

            As we continue our Advent pilgrimage we turn our eyes once again to the enthroned Christ. Here we see the hymn of the elders singing, “worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” How is it that we can meditate on such beautiful and uplifting mysteries while standing in the center of a church dedicated to one of the darkest moments in the life of our Lord? We can do so precisely because of the truth revealed in this hymn: Christ is worthy for He was slain and with His blood he ransomed us. These dark moments in the life of our Lord Jesus become His glory and they become our hope. Likewise, Christ, the light of the world, is able to take our darkness and make it into light. So even amidst the garden of suffering, we see a great light, and sing with the saints, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

Prayer:

May God the Father, and the Eternal High Priest Jesus Christ, build us up in faith and truth and love, and grant to us our portion among the saints with all those who believe on our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray for all saints, for kings and rulers, for the enemies of the Cross of Christ, and for ourselves we pray that our fruit may abound and we may be made perfect in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Prayer of Intercession – St. Polycarp

Passage: Hebrews 12:1-6 ESV

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

³ Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. ⁴ In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. ⁵ And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
    nor be weary when reproved by him.
⁶ For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
    and chastises every son whom he receives.’”

Reflection:

            Christ, in the Garden of Gethsemane, experiences the weight and burden of all the sins of the world. St. Luke describes Christ as being so troubled that He began to sweat out drops of blood. Yet this suffering was soon turned to glory. Though He despised the shame, He bore the cross, all for the joy set before Him. How does contemplating the weight of Christ’s burdens help us meditate on Advent mysteries? Here in the Book of Hebrews we are reminded of a great truth. We are called to participate in the suffering of Christ until He returns. We are chastised and disciplined by the Lord because we truly are sons. Christ who suffered so greatly calls to us to pick up our crosses and follow Him. However, we do not do this alone. We are surrounded by the great cloud of witnesses; the saints who were, are, and will yet be. We all strive together for the sake of the Gospel of Christ. This Advent, meditate on this reality, that though we suffer now for a little while we will soon experience the weight of glory in Christ.

Prayer:

Dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: I hold up all my weakness to your strength, my failure to your faithfulness, my sinfulness to your perfection, my loneliness to your compassion, my little pains to your great agony on the Cross. I pray that you will cleanse me, strengthen me, guide me, so that in all ways my life may be lived as you would have it lived, without cowardice and for you alone. Show me how to live in true humility, true contrition, and true love. Amen.

In Times of Suffering and Weakness – Book of Common Prayer 2019

Passage: St. Luke 5:1-11 ESV

“On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, ² and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. ³ Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. ⁴ And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.’ ⁵ And Simon answered, ‘Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.’ ⁶ And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. ⁷ They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. ⁸ But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.’ ⁹ For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, ¹⁰ and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.’ ¹¹ And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.”

Reflection:

            Photographed above is the church of Duc in Altum, built on the site of ancient Magdala (modern day Migdal). The church derives its name from the vulgate translation of a phrase from the Gospel according to St. Luke 5:6. Christ tells Peter to, “Duc in altum,” that is to, “put out into the deep.” The result is a miraculous catch of fish that threatened both to break the nets and capsize the ship. Of course, this miracle was not ultimately about fish, but about a calling; a calling given to the Apostles, but also given to us. During this season of Advent we reflect on the imminence of the return of Christ. Consider the world around you. Christ is likewise calling us to put out into the deep. That is, regardless of our vocational calling, our baptismal calling, is to make disciples of all people. As we reflect on the immanence of Christ’s return, we must also reflect on the urgency of evangelism. Christ has called us to put out into the deep and shine as a light in the darkness.

Prayer:

Almighty God our Savior, you desire that none should perish, and you have taught us through your Son that there is great joy in heaven over every sinner who repents: Grant that our hearts may ache for a lost and broken world. May your Holy Spirit work through our words, deeds, and prayers, that the lost may be found and the dead made alive, and that all your redeemed may rejoice around your throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For a Spirit of Evangelism – Book of Common Prayer 2019

Passage: St. Luke 4:16-20 ESV

“¹⁶ And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. ¹⁷ And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,

¹⁸ ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
    because he has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
    and recovering of sight to the blind,
    to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
¹⁹ to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.’

²⁰ And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. ²¹ And he began to say to them, ‘Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’”

Reflection:

            During the season of Advent, we meditate on two times of expectant waiting. First, we consider the longing of those who came before. Second, we meditate on our sense of longing. Here in the Gospel according to St. Luke, Christ reads out of the Isaiah scroll in a synagogue (a synagogue likely similar to the one pictured above). Christ declares that he is the very object of their longing. He declares to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Like the Israelites longing for the coming of the Messiah, He who would fulfill the words of Isaiah, we too await with eager expectation for the return of the Messiah. In this way, we are very much like those ancient Israelites. We have the surety of Scripture to cling to; knowing that the Scriptures will be fulfilled, though we do not understand fully how it will look. Nevertheless, we cling to hope and faith, knowing that we will see the words of Scripture fulfilled and our longing will cease.

Prayer:

Hasten, O Father, the coming of your kingdom; and grant that we your servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

For the Coming of God’s Kingdom – Book of Common Prayer 2019

Passage: St. Matthew 17:1-8 ESV

“And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. ² And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. ³ And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. ⁴ And Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ ⁵ He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.’ ⁶ When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. ⁷ But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Rise, and have no fear.’ ⁸ And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.”

Reflection:

Pictured above is the central mosaic of the Church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. When one thinks of Advent passages to read and meditate on one does not often think of the Transfiguration account; however, the account of the Transfiguration truly gets to the heart of what we are meditating upon during this season. What is it that we witness in the Transfiguration? In this moment, Christ unveiled Himself and revealed His divine and glorified nature; that is to say, Christ, for a moment, gave the apostles a glimpse into His glorious divinity. In Advent, we meditate on the second coming of Christ, in which we long for a second unveiling as presented in the Apocalypse of St. John. When we think of the word apocalypse, we conjure images of the end of the world and disastrous events unfolding. Thankfully that is not the proper meaning of the word. The word apocalypse means revelation or even “unveiling.” It conveys the idea of a curtain being drawn back and an individual being given a glimpse into something hidden. So, like Christ unveiling Himself to the apostles in the Transfiguration, we, during the season of Advent, long for the unveiling of Christ to the world.

Prayer:

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant 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, for ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer for Transfiguration Sunday – Book of Common Prayer 2019

Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 ESV

^“20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. ²¹ For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. ²² For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. ²³ But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.”

Reflection:

            As we come to the end of our Advent pilgrimage we return to where it began, the Mount of Olives. Upon our first glance from the mount, we considered Christ’s first entry into Jerusalem. Here, now, gazing at the vast graveyard known as the City of the Dead we consider the marvelous scene that awaits his second. The Holy Scriptures are replete with lessons on the resurrection that awaits the faithful, and it is this resurrection hope that marks our Advent meditation. So as you continue meditating during this Advent season consider this remarkable truth, when Christ returns in victory you will see every one of these graves opened. The dead shall return to life, and those who belong to Christ will be gathered to Him. Let this mark your hope and be a source of comfort and joy. Christ who has been raised from the dead is the assurance that we too shall rise. Christ will return victoriously and death will be no more.

Prayer:

O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that we, who have been raised with him, may abide in his presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Prayer for the Tuesday of Easter Week – Book of Common Prayer 2019