Najwa leads a prayerful reflection on the Feast of the Transfiguration, drawing from Matthew 17 and 2 Peter to explore the divine revelation of Jesus’ glory on Mount Tabor. She emphasizes the spiritual significance of the event, connecting it to themes of divine light, the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit’s role in illuminating scripture. Najwa interweaves biblical exegesis with personal anecdotes, testimonies of saints, and calls to holiness, urging listeners to seek a deeper relationship with Christ through prayer and scripture.
Najwa’s talk coincides with the Feast of the Transfiguration, a significant Christian celebration commemorating Jesus’ revelation of His divine glory to Peter, James, and John on Mount Tabor (Matthew 17:1-9). The talk begins with a communal recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, setting a reverent tone, and transitions into a blend of scriptural exegesis, personal stories, and spiritual exhortation. Najwa’s delivery is conversational yet authoritative, reflecting her role as a teacher called to ministry, as she shares insights from her upbringing in the Holy Land and her personal faith journey.
Key Themes
- The Transfiguration as Divine Revelation:
- Najwa centers her reflection on the Transfiguration, describing it as a pivotal moment where Jesus’ divine nature was revealed to His disciples. She highlights the presence of Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the Prophets), noting their discussion with Jesus about His impending “Exodus” (crucifixion and resurrection). This event, occurring 40 days before the crucifixion, underscores Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
- She emphasizes the divine voice declaring, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him,” connecting it to Jesus’ baptism and reinforcing His identity as the Son of God. The imagery of light and the cloud signifies God’s presence, drawing parallels to Old Testament theophanies (e.g., Moses on Mount Sinai).
- The Role of the Word and the Holy Spirit:
- Najwa stresses that faith comes through hearing the Word of God, with the Holy Spirit acting as the interpreter who “overshadows” and illuminates scripture. She draws an analogy to the Annunciation, where the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary, suggesting that the Spirit similarly works in believers to reveal the meaning of God’s Word.
- The sermon underscores the dynamic relationship between the Word and the Spirit, using Genesis 1’s imagery of the Spirit hovering over the waters to illustrate how the Spirit brings life and understanding to scripture.
- Mountains as Places of Divine Encounter:
- Najwa highlights the recurring biblical motif of mountains as sites of divine revelation (e.g., Sinai, Tabor, Calvary). She connects Moses’ encounter with God on Sinai, where he received the Law, to Jesus’ Transfiguration on Tabor, where His glory was revealed, and His crucifixion on Calvary, where redemption was accomplished. This parallelism underscores the continuity of God’s plan across salvation history.
- The Power of Intercession and Sainthood:
- A significant portion of the sermon explores the intercession of saints, whom Najwa describes as alive in Christ and actively praying for the faithful. She cites examples like St. Sharbel, an “incorruptible” Lebanese saint known for miraculous healings, and St. Peter, who promised to ensure believers remember his teachings after his death (2 Peter 1:12-15).
- Najwa defends the practice of asking saints for intercession, arguing it does not detract from Jesus’ glory but reflects the communal nature of the “church triumphant.” She shares personal stories, such as her aunt’s glowing face from constant prayer, to illustrate how closeness to God transforms believers.
- Suffering and Glory:
- Drawing from 1 Peter 4:12-14, Najwa addresses the “fiery ordeals” faced by believers, likening them to Christ’s sufferings. She shares the story of her mother’s four-year battle with bone cancer, interpreting it as a redemptive suffering that led to her family’s spiritual awakening. This theme ties into the broader narrative of suffering leading to divine glory, as exemplified by Jesus’ crucifixion and the martyrdom of saints like Stephen and Peter.
- Personal Testimony and Evangelism:
- Najwa’s sermon is deeply personal, weaving in stories of her faith journey, including hearing God’s voice during her mother’s memorial service and witnessing miracles through the intercession of saints. These anecdotes serve to make the biblical narrative relatable and to encourage listeners to seek a personal encounter with God.
- She recounts everyday encounters, such as meeting a former neighbor at an Apple store, where conversations about faith naturally drew others in, illustrating Jesus’ promise to “draw all men unto me” (John 12:32). These stories emphasize the magnetic power of Christ’s presence in believers.
Structure and Style
The sermon follows a loose structure, beginning with prayer, moving into scriptural exposition (Matthew 17 and 2 Peter 1), and interspersing personal stories and exhortations. Najwa’s style is warm and engaging, marked by a conversational tone that invites listeners into her reflections. Her use of repetition (e.g., “the glory of God,” “the Word of God”) reinforces key themes, while her vivid storytelling—such as describing the glow on her aunt’s face or St. Sharbel’s miracles—captures the audience’s imagination. The sermon concludes with a call to holiness and a final prayer, encouraging listeners to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ.Theological Insights
- Christocentric Focus: Najwa consistently points to Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets, the source of divine light, and the center of salvation history. Her emphasis on the Transfiguration as a glimpse of Christ’s divine glory reinforces His dual nature as fully God and fully human.
- Sacramental and Communal Spirituality: The sermon reflects a sacramental worldview, particularly in its emphasis on baptism and communion as transformative encounters with God. Najwa’s advocacy for the intercession of saints underscores a communal understanding of the Church, spanning heaven and earth.
- Eschatological Hope: By connecting the Transfiguration to the resurrection and the saints’ ongoing intercession, Najwa instills hope in the ultimate triumph of God’s glory, encouraging believers to persevere through suffering.
Cultural and Personal Context
Najwa’s background in the Holy Land informs her vivid descriptions of biblical locations like Mount Tabor and her familiarity with Orthodox Christian practices, such as the veneration of saints and daily communion. Her stories of Lebanese village life and encounters with saints like Sharbel reflect a Middle Eastern Christian perspective that may be less familiar to Western audiences, adding depth and authenticity to her teaching. Her personal journey—from a nominal churchgoer to a fervent teacher of the Word—serves as a testimony to the transformative power of encountering Christ.Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths: The sermon’s strength lies in its blend of scripture, personal testimony, and practical application, making complex theological concepts accessible. Najwa’s passion for Christ and her storytelling ability create an engaging and inspirational message.
- Weaknesses: The sermon’s loose structure and frequent tangents (e.g., personal anecdotes) may distract from the central focus on the Transfiguration. Some listeners might find the emphasis on saintly intercession and miracles unfamiliar or controversial, depending on their denominational background.
Conclusion
Najwa’s sermon is a heartfelt and dynamic reflection on the Transfiguration, weaving together scripture, theology, and personal experience to inspire listeners to seek God’s glory. By connecting the biblical narrative to everyday life and the intercession of saints, she invites her audience into a deeper relationship with Christ, emphasizing the transformative power of His Word and Spirit. The sermon serves as both a celebration of the Feast of the Transfiguration and a call to holiness, urging believers to behold God’s glory in their lives and share it with others.