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The Transfiguration of Christ – His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak

August 09, 2020
in Feature Articles, The Word
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Last Thursday we celebrated the Feast of the Transfiguration. As we learn in the Bible, our Lord Jesus Christ took Peter, James & John up a mountain to pray. While praying, His presence changed to a glorified form and his clothing became a dazzling white. Moses & Elijah appeared and talked with him about his death that would soon take place.

Then a cloud came from above, with a voice saying “This is my beloved son. Listen to him.” The cloud lifted, Moses & Elijah disappeared, and Jesus was alone with his disciples. Jesus warned them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after his resurrection.

The purpose of the transfiguration was for the inner circle of the disciples to gain a greater understanding of who Jesus is and who he would be. Christ underwent a dramatic change so his disciples can behold him in his glory. They knew him in a human body, and now have a greater realization of the deity of Jesus Christ, although they could not fully comprehend it. That gave them the assurance they needed after the shocking news of his coming death.

Jesus is the new and living way to replace the old, and the countless prophecies of the Old Testament. Also, in His glorified form they saw a preview as king of kings and lord of the lords.

Now, brothers and sisters, what can we learn from the transfiguration? There is a practical lesson here that we can have a transfiguration experience each day as we walk with the Lord.

Romans 12:1&2 and 2 Corinthians 3:18 tell us how. As we surrender body, mind & will, the Lord transforms us from within, so we are not conformed to the world. And as we behold Christ, we are transformed by the spirit from glory to glory.

This is known as Sanctification – the process by which we become more like the Lord Jesus Christ, which is the father’s goal for each of his children.

We do not have to pack our bags for the Rocky Mountains as our forefathers did to pray. But what we can learn from the story that we need to come to a higher ground to pray, and our weekly Sunday Liturgy is our higher ground.

The most important thing is to come on Sunday to church to participate and receive His body and blood. God is present here among us, in His word, in the bread of life and the cup of salvation. And in us, God’s holy people, God is present among us as our courage, source of power and our might. And God will empower us to go into the world and point others to him.

So as God’s holy people, let us be on a higher ground. Let us do God’s will and oversee the land of promise. Be happy today. Don’t worry about anything. Don’t fear anyone or anything. Let your eyes see the glory of the Lord. Amen.

Learn more in the sermon video from His Eminence Mor Dionysius John Kawak here.

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