The Transfiguration: A Glimpse of Uncreated Glory

As the storm of opposition gathered and the shadow of the Cross loomed, Jesus granted His closest disciples a necessary and unforgettable vision. The Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–8) was not a miracle performed for the crowd, but an intimate revelation given to strengthen the core of His Church.

The Ascent and the Unveiling

Jesus took the inner circle—Peter, James, and John—up a high mountain (traditionally Mount Tabor). He knew what terror and confusion the Passion would bring, and they needed an unshakeable anchor of faith to recall in the darkness of Calvary.

As Jesus prayed, His appearance was suddenly transformed. His face shone like the sun, and His clothing became dazzling white, radiating His inner divinity. He was, for a moment, unveiled—a vision of His glorified body that the Apostles would only fully understand after the Resurrection.

The Fulfillment of the Old Covenant

Standing beside the transfigured Christ were two figures sent from the past: Moses and Elijah.

• Moses represented the Law—the foundation of the covenant and the giver of the Torah.

• Elijah represented the Prophets—those who continually pointed Israel toward the coming Messiah.

Their presence confirmed unequivocally that Jesus was the fulfillment of everything the Law and the Prophets had pointed toward. The focus of their mysterious conversation was the Exodus—that is, the Passion and death Jesus was about to accomplish in Jerusalem.

"Listen to Him!"

Peter, overwhelmed by the sheer glory, stammered a desire to build three tents to prolong the moment. But the experience was meant to lead them forward, not backward.

Suddenly, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and the voice of God the Father spoke, echoing the Baptism but adding a command: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him!" (Matthew 17:5).

This divine command placed Jesus decisively above Moses and Elijah. The Law and the Prophets had served their purpose; now, all attention and allegiance must be given solely to the Son.

The Preparation for Trial

The Transfiguration served as a powerful act of mercy. It gave the Apostles an internal witness of Christ's glory that would sustain them when they witnessed His deepest human humiliation. When they saw Him scourged and dying—a seeming failure—they would remember the dazzling light on the mountain.

It taught them that the path to glory must inevitably pass through suffering.

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