Washington D.C., Aug 6, 2023 / 02:00 am
At the Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John witnessed a transformative moment that reflects the life of the Christian called to his or her own transfiguration. St. Matthew described in his Gospel: “And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light.”
Of this event, Benedict XVI noted: “According to the senses, the light of the sun is the most intense ever known in nature.” Despite this fact, Benedict said, “according to the spirit, the disciples saw for a short time a brightness more intense: that of the divine glory of Jesus, which illuminates the whole history of salvation.”
Peter, James, and John experienced an intense beauty, the beauty of an experience of God, a small glimpse of the beatific vision.
The Preface for Mass on the Transfiguration explains the significance of the event: “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.”