YOUCAT Question n. 93 - Part I. Why was Christ transfigured on the mountain?
(Youcat
answer) The Father wanted to reveal the divine glory of his Son even during
Jesus’ earthly life. Christ’s Transfiguration was meant to help the disciples
later to understand his death and Resurrection.
A deepening through CCC
(CCC 554)
From the day Peter confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living
God, the Master "began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem
and suffer many things… and be killed, and on the third day be raised" (Mt
16:21). Peter scorns this prediction, nor do the others understand it any
better than he (Cf. Mt 16:22-23; 17:23; Lk 9:45). In this context the
mysterious episode of Jesus' Transfiguration takes place on a high mountain
(Cf. Mt 17:1-8 and parallels; 2 Pt 1:16-18), before three witnesses chosen by
himself: Peter, James and John. Jesus' face and clothes become dazzling with
light, and Moses and Elijah appear, speaking "of his departure, which he
was to accomplish at Jerusalem" (Lk 9:31). A cloud covers him and a voice
from heaven says: "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" (Lk
9:35).
Reflecting and meditating
(Youcat comment) Three Gospels
relate how Jesus, on the mountaintop, begins to shine (is “transfigured”)
before the eyes of his disciples. The voice of his heavenly Father calls Jesus
his “beloved Son”, to whom they are supposed to listen. Peter would like to
“make three booths” and capture the moment. Jesus, however, is on the way that
leads to suffering. The vision of glory is only to strengthen his disciples.
(CCC Comment)
(CCC 568)
Christ's Transfiguration aims at strengthening the apostles' faith in
anticipation of his Passion: the ascent on to the "high mountain"
prepares for the ascent to Calvary. Christ, Head of the Church, manifests what
his Body contains and radiates in the sacraments: "the hope of glory"
(Col 1:27; cf. St. Leo the Great, Sermo
51, 3: PL 54, 310c).
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