August 17, 2025, 12:00 PM

Jesus did not need the Transfiguration. He did it for His disciples. The Preface of the Mass for the Feast of the Transfiguration says, “For He revealed His glory in the presence of chosen witnesses … that the scandal of the cross might be removed from the hearts of His disciples.” In that brief moment, Peter, James, and John got a partial glimpse of the glory that Jesus has. He could not show them His full glory since they could not bear such brightness. But this glimpse of His glory was meant to strengthen them for the difficult days ahead and help them know His true and lasting glory in those moments when all they would see were His bloody face and tortured body. The presence of Moses and Elijah signal that the Old Testament Scriptures prophesized both Christ and His passion and that these prophesies are being fulfilled in Jesus. Moses represents the Law contained in the Pentateuch. Elijah represents the prophets. The ancient Exodus and the Passover point to Christ’s exodus and passover. The prophets also spoke of the Messiah and what He would do. Here, too, Jesus did not need to talk with Moses and Elijah. He does this for our sake to show that His passion and death are in accordance with what the Old Testament set forth. We celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration on August 6 and the Second Sunday in Lent to remind us of the importance of the Paschal Mystery and our salvation. Now you know!