The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ appears in each of the Gospel books as an important moment in the life of Jesus and evidence of his divinity. After Jesus performs a series of miracles and foretells His own death, Jesus leads just three of his disciples, Peter, James and John, to a high mountain. This is where the Transfiguration takes place in which his appearance was radiantly transformed.
The Transfiguration has long been regarded as one of the most important events in the life of Jesus. He appears here with two figures: Moses, representing Jewish law, and Elijah, representing Jewish prophecy.
Moses is important because he gave the Jews their basic laws, and wrote the five books of the Torah — the basis of Judaism itself. Connecting Jesus to Moses thus connects Jesus to the very origins of Judaism, thus establishing a divinely authorized continuity between the ancient laws and Jesus’ teachings.
This incident is linked with the beginning of Jesus’ ministry when he was baptized, and a divine voice said “Thou art my beloved Son.” In that scene, God spoke directly to Jesus whereas here God speaks to the three apostles about Jesus.
The transfiguration of Jesus Christ was a powerful demonstration of His divine nature and manifestation of His glory, which Jesus possessed prior to coming to earth in the human body.
It takes place just a few days after Jesus had, for the very first time, told his disciples that He was going to die. The disciples felt offended and horrified. Peter, speaking for the group, told Jesus; "far be it from you [to die], it can't happen." Jesus was, of course, upset with Peter and told him, "you savour the things of man and not of God."
It was Jesus' message that He was going to die, and that is exactly what the Transfiguration is all about.
The disciples knew a little about the power and the reality of who Jesus was, and yet, when He began to talk about dying, it was staggering to the disciples and they began to wonder if He was really the Messiah. Therefore, for that reason, Jesus took three - Peter, James and John, into a high mountain apart, away from the other apostles.
Jesus took them into a very secluded place and He began to pray. He asked the disciples to pray too; however they fall asleep. As they woke up, the three saw Jesus standing before them, in the company of Elijah and Moses, with an indescribable manifestation of light and glory which will be His, when he reigns as King in days to come.
The whole purpose of the transformation was to reinforce the staggering faith of the apostles. As Jesus, Peter, James and John return from the mountain, they find the other apostles trying to drive a demon out of a man and unable to do so. When they ask why the exorcism won't work, Jesus says it is because of their staggering faith.
It was not a miracle that Jesus Christ transfigured Himself on Mount Tabor before the Apostles. It was a miracle that He maintained His common, earthly appearance for the whole of His life. It was a miracle that His face was not glowing like the sun as He walked the hills and valleys of the Holy Land.
The Transfiguration shows the splendour of truth. It is a glimpse of the life of heaven, where we see that Christ will not shed His human skin. He will bring His humanity to heaven and glorify it. This exaltation of flesh and blood is one reason why the Church has such immense respect for the human body.
Other Saints of the Day
1. Saint Agapitus
2. Saint Hormisdas Pope
3. Saint James the Syrian
4. Martyrs of Cardena
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