Monday after the Transfiguration

Monday after the Transfiguration –February 24, 2020 –Psalm 137:1-6
 

[1]

Alleluia, song of gladness,
    Voice of joy that cannot die;
Alleluia is the anthem
    Ever raised by choirs on high;
In the house of God abiding
    Thus they sing eternally. [2]

It has been a tradition during Lent to withhold the singing of Alleluias in the public worship service. We will resume our Alleluias in the Easter season as a reminder that in glory our praises will never end. We place our praises on pause so we may reflect on Jesus’ Passion, suffering and death. 

Our hymn verse for today reminds us that our Alleluias will be sung eternally in glory. When we behold Jesus face to face ours shall be a song of gladness; a voice of joy that cannot die. It will be an eternal anthem; a hymn which has no end. Yet, for now, we bid farewell to our hosannas. 

The hymn "Alleluia, songs of gladness" contains a translation of an 11th century Latin text that compares an alleluia-less Lent to the exile of the Israelites in Babylon. The text then anticipates the joy of Easter when glad alleluias will return in all their heavenly splendor. Of course, the Babylonian captivity lasted only a season as Lent is a time for reflection. As the Lord remained faithful to His people, even in the midst of their captivity, your Lord has promised to sustain you throughout your earthly pilgrimage. For now, as we journey we are living in a strange land. Soon and very soon, we shall see the King. 

In every stage of life, the Lord remains faithful to His people. From infancy to old age. In times of glorious celebration through times of challenge, the Lord sustains His own. No matter what difficulties or trials you might face the Lord will sustain you throughout your journey. In Lent, we are on a pilgrimage. Jesus guides each step along the way.      

Almighty and everlasting God, who governs all things in heaven and on earth, mercifully hear the prayers of Your people and grant us Your peace through all our days; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  [3]

1  The Creation Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

  2 Alleluia, songs of gladness, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

 3 Collect for the Second Sunday after Epiphany, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis