The Transfiguration

The Transfiguration is an event where Jesus is transfigured and becomes radiant in glory upon a mountain (later referred to as the Mount of Transfiguration). The Synoptic Gospels of Matthew (7:1-8), Mark (9:2-8), Luke (9:28-36) describe it.

Jesus and three of his apostles, Peter, James, and John, go to a mountain to pray. On the mountaintop, Jesus begins to shine with bright rays of light. Then the Old Testament figures Moses and Elijah appear next to him and he speaks with them. Both figures had eschatological roles: they symbolize the Law and the prophets. Jesus is then called "Son" by the voice of God the Father.

In his Transfiguration, we see an anticipation of the glory of Jesus' Resurrection.

When the transfiguration is considered an anticipation of the Resurrection, the presentation of a shining Jesus as the Son of God is that of someone we should listen to. That can be understood in this statement by Jesus in Matthew 28:16-20: "... all authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth", and by Luke 9:35 - "And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, 'This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!'"

From a personal point of view, as God performed this wonderful miracle for his son, Jesus Christ can perform a miracle for us - transform our hearts. This transfiguration in our souls is a sign of the good things to come in the next life.


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