Prior to the Easter break, I was sharing some thoughts about how the Fathers of the Church, especially John Chrysostom, thought about the Transfiguration of Christ. This event in the life of Christ is important since it serves as a real foundation of Eastern Christian spirituality.

Speaking in terms of very broad structure, there is at least one indication of the centrality of the event of the transfiguration that   warrants mention. It is connected with the baptism of Jesus. Only twice, in the Synoptic Gospels, do we hear a voice from heaven: the first time is at the baptism, the second at the transfiguration of Jesus. If the baptism signifies and initiates the opening phase of Jesus’ public ministry, the transfiguration apparently inaugurates the next, climatic phase. We have only to think of the content of the transfiguration accounts to have our sense of its importance in the Gospels reinforced. In some respects its visually dramatic features exceed those of any other part of the Gospels, with the possible exception of Luke’s accounts of the ascension. The resurrection stories contain mysteries of recognition, appearance, disappearance and motion. There is drama enough at the empty tomb. But none are as visually spectacular as the transfiguration. Nor do the miracles performed by Jesus seem as dramatic as this, whether or not we describe it as a miracle performed upon him. Puzzling this all may be, but marginal it is not. It has been said that in its content ‘it presents the Gospel in microcosm.’

Outside the Synoptic Gospels we find only one clear reference to the event of the Lord’s transfiguration. According to 2 Peter we did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and      coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eye-witnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, ’This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

There may be reminders or echoes of the scene of transfiguration elsewhere in the New Testament (NT). I will continue sharing thoughts on the role of the transfiguration in our lives. It is a great symbol to us as we grow in our faith. One of the true meanings and purposes of earthly life is personal transformation or, as we might know, personal transfiguration.