Significance
     The Transfiguration of Christ was the culminating point of His public life, as His Baptism was its starting point, and His Ascension* its end. The word ‘transfigure’ means to change in outward appearance. This holy event is one of the central events recorded in the Gospels and has been narrated in detail by St. Matthew (17:1-6), St. Mark (9:1-8), and St. Luke (9:28-36). St. Peter (II Peter 1:16-18) and St. John (1:14), two of the three privileged witnesses, too, refer to this event.

History
     Jesus took His disciples Peter, John and James and led them up a high mountain to pray. As they were praying Jesus was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun and his clothes became dazzling white. At this point Elijah and Moses appeared before the disciples talking to Jesus. This dazzling brightness, which emanated from His whole body, was produced by an inner shining of His Divinity.

    Peter offered to build a shelter for each of them. As he spoke a cloud appeared and enveloped them and a voice came from the cloud saying, “This is My son, Whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him”. {This is akin to seekers being asked to listen to Saints as they are a manifest form of the God principle.} The disciples were frightened and fell to the ground. Then Jesus came and touched them and asked them to get up. When they looked up they only saw Jesus. Immediately after that Jesus’ disciples recognized Him as the Christ. Jesus revealed to them briefly about His impending fate and death. He also asked them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after He was resurrected from the dead.

* Refer to the Ascension of Jesus Christ for more information.