A sermon on the transfiguration of Jesus: Matthew 17:1-9

By Fr. Mike Paraniuk
HCP columnist

I am getting closer to the day when I will see God. God says in 1 John 3:2 "Beloved, now we are children of God, and it is not yet revealed what we will be. We know that, when he is revealed, we will be like him; for we will see him just as he is." 

I wonder how I will react when I see God in all His Divine Glory. The Bible records what happened when Peter, James and John saw light shining from the earthly body of Jesus. 

They collapsed. I will lay prostrate on the ground, too afraid to look at His radiant light. Then Jesus will tell me to "Rise and do not be afraid." 

That's when I tell Jesus I will need help rising. He will call over an angel to get me up. I will tell Jesus I need several angels. He will probably laugh. 

Once I stand before Jesus, I will see Him face to face. I hope to hear Jesus say, "Welcome home, good and faithful servant." 

The Love and Joy will be so palpable I will cry. "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Rev. 21:4.)

In the Transfiguration of Jesus, we get a sneak preview of His Divine Glory. Jesus lifts the veil to reveal what has been hiding beneath the surface of an ordinary human body created by the Holy Spirit in the womb of an ordinary young lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary.

I believe the Transfiguration was not a one-time event. God today still transfigures ordinary people, places, events or anything to reveal His presence. He uses ordinary earthly things to reveal His extraordinary Love that transforms sickness to healing, broken hearts to wholeness, and restores peace to those who fear. 

I am in awe of how God works miracles today. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him." Romans (8:28.)

Last week, I was making my ordinary rounds at Children's Hospital, praying for the healing of sick children. Retiring from parish administration has given me a blessed opportunity to dedicate my time doing what I was called to do – pray for those in need. 

No longer do I have to worry about money, bills, budgets or buildings. After receiving permission, I entered a room of a young woman who had a very successful surgery. I soon discovered this visit was not ordinary. God used it to reveal something very special to the mother of this woman.

As soon as the mom saw me, she became very excited. She said, "Fr. Mike, you have returned after all these years!" 

She proceeded to give me a strong hug and a kiss on the cheek. She said, "You probably don't remember me but I can't forget you. I will always cherish what you did for me." 

I said, "What did I do?" 

"Twenty-seven years ago, I brought my baby daughter to Children's. She died from SIDS. My husband and I were devastated. You stayed by our side, praying for the safe passage of our daughter's soul to Heaven. I was so worried about how would she know where to go. What if she got lost?" 

The mom said I explained that my daughter's Guardian Angel would direct her safely to the Light.

She continued, "I was holding my baby till my husband and I were called away to explain what happened. I had to leave her. So I asked you, 'Would you hold my baby till I come back?' You readily agreed to do that. What you did gave me great comfort."

I barely remembered this encounter. I asked when did this happen. 

She replied, "Twenty-seven years ago in 1999. Fr. Mike, you being here today is a sign from God." 

I asked her to explain. 

"To see you again on this day is a miracle. Today is the birthday of my daughter you held in your arms 27 years ago." 

The mom was asking God for a sign that her daughter was OK. The lingering doubt she carried for 27 years was removed on this very special day. God transformed a routine, ordinary hospital visit into a moment of extraordinary grace for this mother. 

My friend Jeff calls these moments of grace, "God winks."

I hope this Lent will help you see your need for God. Don't push God to the fringes where other things become more important than God. Listen to Jesus. Remove anything that keeps God from getting into your heart. The day will come when you will see Jesus face to face in all His glory. Until that happens ask Jesus to transform your life so He can use you to reveal His Light. 

The song "Day by Day" explains this so beautifully.  

Oh Dear Lord
Three things I pray
To see thee more clearly
Love thee more dearly
Follow thee more nearly
Day by day.

Happy Lent.