The Transfiguration
According to the accounts of the first three gospels (Mt 17:1-13; Lk 9:28-36; Mk 9:2-13), the Apostles Peter, James, and John witnessed an unveiling of the divine glory of Christ, and the appearance with Him of Moses and Elijah. “He was transfigured before them.” According to Tradition, the Transfiguration occurred on Mount Tabor, but some believe it may have taken place on Mount Hermon or even the Mount of Olives.
Various reasons for the Transfiguration: first, to strengthen the resolve of the Apostles. They have been listening to Jesus’ prophecy of going to Jerusalem to die. Upon His Resurrection they will recall His Divinity in the Transfiguration.
Second, did you notice that Peter recognizes Moses and Elijah even though he has never met them or seen them. They lived hundreds of years before this event. This is sign to us that when we die, we will know those people whom we love. We will come to know even those people who loved us, but we never knew, for example, grandparents or great grandparents.
Third, as it says in the gospel, Moses and Elijah spoke to Jesus about His Exodus. When we think of Exodus, we remember Moses leading the people out of Egypt. Egypt is the symbol for sin. Jesus’ Exodus will be that of leaving this world of sin to enter heaven. And just like Moses, Jesus will lead his people from this world into heaven.
We are Jesus’ people. We are strengthened by seeing the divinity of Jesus today. Let us live in the light of Christ.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen