Vatican City, Mar 1, 2015 / 10:50 am
The Transfiguration reveals the glory of Christ and demands a response of listening to and following Jesus, Pope Francis said in his Sunday Angelus address March 1.
Last week the faithful were shown Christ victorious in the desert after enduring temptation from the devil, a reminder of the victory over sin offered to everyone through Christ. Today Jesus reveals the destination of the journey of conversion, which is "participation in the glory of Christ".
The Transfiguration takes place as Christ is on his way to Jerusalem to fulfill the prophecies through his death on the cross. Jesus takes Peter, James and John away to a high mountain in order to reveal his glory in advance to them, to strengthen them in faith for what is to come – the way of the Cross, Pope Francis said.
"The three disciples are frightened, while a cloud covers and rings out from above…the voice of the Father, 'This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him'" (Mk 9:7), the Holy Father said.