Today is the Feast of the Transfiguration. The Transfiguration serves at least two purposes. First, it gave Paul, James, and John an idea of what Christ would be like after He rose from the dead. This event gave them a taste of the glory to come. This was to give the three apostles strength to carry on through the crucifixion, because their faith would be greatly tested in the days to come. Second, the Transfiguration is the glimpse given to all of us. This event hints at what we will become when we shed the unworthy things of this world. Christ is showing us the Glory that can be ours if we follow him.
The Transfiguration in today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 17:1-9):
“Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. ”While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased listen to him. ”When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone. As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”