The Fulfillment Of The Law and The Prophets

Speaker: Archbishop Loren Thomas Hines

February 16, 2026

in Spritual Growth

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February 15, 2026:
Readings: Exodus 24:12-18
Philippians 3:7-14
Matthew 17:1-9

Last Sunday after Epiphany 2026 Homily – Abp. Hines

Today is the last Sunday of Epiphany, the manifestation that God is with us. But most of us, sad to say, do not believe that God is with us, because we have allowed the world system to be so entrenched within us that we forget about God’s presence in us. Christ lives and reigns with us and the Holy Spirit. Jesus spent time on the mountain very often. He would frequently go there at night to pray. The mountain is a very significant symbol. Moses was called to the mountain to meet with God. When God came to meet him, there was a cloud covering him. What God has established from of old is so important that we cannot do away with the Old Testament. God chose Moses to give His commandments to. Commandments coming from God Himself, “If you live out my commandments, I will prosper you.” Before the events leading Him going to the cross, Jesus went up to the mountain, taking Peter, James and John with Him. They had to climb uphill, which probably took them several days. Jesus took them as witnesses of what was to take place. But when they reached the top, the disciples were exhausted and went to sleep. When they woke up, they saw Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah. Moses was considered the greatest lawmaker of all, trusted by God to give the foundation of the church. Elijah was considered the greatest of the prophets. These two represented the “Law and the Prophets” and were chosen to meet up with Jesus. It’s like saying, “we are in unity with Jesus.” The fact that Moses and Elijah were standing and talking with Jesus shows the unity and plan of God. Jesus was being prepared to face the events He was going to encounter in Jerusalem. God does this to us too if we spend time with Him. He will reveal His plan for our lives. 2nd Peter 1:16-18 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such a declaration as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory: “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well pleased”- and we ourselves heard this declaration made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

When God spoke with Moses, there was a cloud. When the children of Israel crossed the Red Sea, the cloud moved from in front of them to behind, placing itself between the Israelites and the Egyptians as a source of light for Israel and darkness for Egypt. This divine cloud guided their journey and separated them from the pursuing army. And now when God was with Moses and Elijah talking to Jesus, the cloud was present again. Jesus’ face shone, his whole countenance was glowing, because God is life. Without God, there is no life. The church calendar set this from the beginning- that God’s manifestation was seen. The same empowerment of Epiphany is given to us. The disciples were so awed by what their eyes had witnessed. Peter, who was very emotional tells Jesus, “Lord, let us build three tabernacles. One for you, one for Moses, one for Elijah.” But God interrupted and said, “This is My Son. Listen to Him.”

What is happening in our nation today? We are supposed to be a Christian nation, and yet there is massive corruption. There has to be great evidence in our lives as Christians that we are His. Our relationship should be with Christ. Psalm 99:5 “Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; He is holy.” But do we worship at His footstool? Or do we look to the world for our supply instead of God. This was like God telling Peter that, you don’t need to build a monument. What Christ can do is greater than a monument. We need to put God first in our lives and place our faith and confidence in Him. And if we really spent time with Him, we would know what to do.