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| Second Sunday of Lent (Sunday of Transfiguration) | |
|---|---|
| Observed by | Western Christianity,Eastern Christianity |
| Type | Christian |
| Celebrations | Mass,Divine Liturgy, scripture readings |
| Observances | Commemoration of theTransfiguration of Jesus |
| Date | Second Sunday afterAsh Wednesday |
| Related to | Lent,Easter |
TheSecond Sunday of Lent, also known as theSunday of Transfiguration orReminiscere Sunday[1] is the second Sunday in the season ofLent, a period of penance and preparation leading up toEaster. In many liturgical churches, this day is marked by the reading of the Gospel account of theTransfiguration of Jesus, an event in which Jesus is revealed in divine glory to his disciplesPeter,James, andJohn on a mountain, traditionally identified asMount Tabor. The observance emphasizes themes of transformation, divine revelation, and preparation for thePassion of Christ.
In theRevised Common Lectionary, used by many Western Christian denominations such as theRoman Catholic Church,Anglican Communion, and various Protestant churches, theOld Testament readings relate toAbraham:Genesis 12:1-4 inYear A, recounting God's promise of a blessing on Abraham (then "Abram"); verses fromGenesis 17 in Year B, God's promise of a son to be born to Abraham and his wife,Sarah, or fromGenesis 22 in the Roman Catholic lectionary, Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son,Isaac; and fromGenesis 15 in Year C, God's covenant with Abraham.[2][3] The Gospel readings for this Sunday come from one of theSynoptic Gospels—Matthew (17:1–9),Mark (9:2–10), orLuke (9:28–36)—recounting Jesus' Transfiguration.[4] This event is seen as a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus, bridging his earthly ministry and his impending suffering and resurrection.
InEastern Christianity, particularly within theEastern Orthodox Church, the Sunday of Gregory Palamas is observed on the Second Sunday ofGreat Lent in theEastern Orthodox Church. This day commemorates SaintGregory Palamas (1296–1359), a prominent Byzantine theologian and hesychast, known for his defense ofHesychasm, a mystical tradition of prayer, against the rationalist critiques ofBarlaam of Seminara. The Sunday emphasizes Palamas' teachings on the uncreated light of God, experienced through prayer and asceticism, as affirmed by theFifth Council of Constantinople in 1351. Liturgically, the day features readings such as Hebrews 1:10–2:3 and Mark 2:1–12, reflecting themes of divine grace and healing.[5] It underscores the Orthodox focus on theosis (divinization) during the Lenten season.[6][permanent dead link][citation needed]
The Transfiguration is more prominently celebrated as a separateFeast of the Transfiguration on August 6 as it is also in the Catholic liturgical calendar.[7]
The Transfiguration narrative underscores several theological themes central to Lent, including Jesus' divine identity, the resurrection of the dead[8] and Jesus' journey to the cross. These themes may encourage the faithful to reflect on their own spiritual journey during Lent, aligning with the season’s focus on repentance and renewal.[9]
During theMass orDivine Liturgy, hymns and prayers often highlight the Transfiguration. In the Roman Catholic Church, the Collect for the Second Sunday of Lent may invoke the light of Christ revealed in the Transfiguration as a guide for the faithful. The color purple, symbolizing penance, remains theliturgical color, though the theme of divine glory introduces a note of hope amidst Lenten austerity.
In the traditional Roman Rite, as preserved in theTridentine Mass, the propers of the Mass for the Second Sunday of Lent featureGregorian chant settings that reflect the Transfiguration. TheIntroit, "Tibi dixit cor meum" (Psalm 26:8-9), expresses a longing to see God’s face, echoing the disciples’ vision of Christ’s glory. TheGradual, "Sciant gentes" (Psalm 82:19, 18), and theTract, "Commovisti" (Psalm 59:4, 6), emphasize divine power and deliverance, while theOffertory ("Meditabor," Psalm 118:47-48) and Communion ("Visionem quam vidistis," Matthew 17:9) directly reference the mystical experience on the mount. For the Divine Office, the antiphons and hymns, such as "Visionem quam vidistis" in Vespers, draw from the Gospel narrative, with theBenedictus antiphon often highlighting Christ’s divine sonship. These chants, rooted in centuries of tradition, underscore the interplay of awe and penitence.[10]
While the Second Sunday of Lent does not typically feature widespread cultural festivities likeEaster Sunday orChristmas, some communities may hold special sermons or devotional activities. In regions with a strong Christian heritage, such as parts of Europe or the Americas, churches may use this day to emphasize catechesis or spiritual retreats.[citation needed]
{{cite book}}:ISBN / Date incompatibility (help)| Sundays of theEaster cycle | ||
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| Preceded by | Second Sunday of Lent March 1, 2026 | Succeeded by |
