The Mountaintop of Christ's Transfiguration

Jesus revealed this mystery of the transfiguration to his disciples on Mount Tabor.  He had already spoken of the kingdom and of his second coming in glory.  Perhaps, however, they were not sufficiently convinced of the message.  He would reassure them and strengthen their belief by this divine revelation, which would image the future heavenly kingdoms.  The evangelist wants to show us that Christ’s power matches his words: “He was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun and his garments became white as snow.  Then Moses and Elias appeared and spoke with him.”  Here is the miracle and the salutary mystery accomplished for us on the mountain.  For it is Christ’s death and his glory that bring us together today, that we may join with God’s inspired disciples in trying to penetrate to the inner reality of the ineffable event.

Let us listen to God’s voice summoning us from the mountaintop.  To there we must hasten, as Jesus did.  He is our guide, our forerunner.  With him we shine resplendent to spiritual eyes, renewed in soul and made over in his likeness, ceaselessly transfigured, sharers in God’s being and prepared for the world to come.  Let us ascend to the summit with joyous hearts and enter into the cloud with Moses and Elias, James and John.  Become like Peter, caught up in the vision, drawn away from this world and from earthly attractions.  Leave the flesh behind and turn to the Creator, to whom Peter said in ecstasy: “Lord, it is good for us to be here.”

– from a Sermon on the Transfiguration of the Lord by Bishop Anastasius of Sinai († after 700)