Mt 17:1-2 “And after six days Jesus took Peter and James and John his brother and led them up a high mountain apart, and he was transfigured before them.” These, therefore, are those of whom he had just said: “There are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom” (Matt 16:28), that is, appearing in the power and glory of his kingdom. For the Lord, being transfigured, then appeared on the mountain to these three disciples as he will appear after this life in his kingdom to all his faithful.
But why did our Savior wish to be transfigured into that form of his brightness, unless to make us more certain of the glory which he preached? Hence he also wished these three disciples — who elsewhere are called the pillars of the Church (Gal 2:9) — to be present, so that they might be witnesses of so great a vision. For these three are sufficient to bear witness, since, as it is written, “In the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall stand” (cf. Matt 18:16). For who would not believe what Peter, James, and John testify?
It was fitting that these things took place on a high mountain, since they were to be fulfilled afterward in heaven. They occur after six days because, as the Apostle says, when the labor of this life — which is carried out in six days — is finished, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God (Heb 4:9). Therefore we ought greatly to desire that these six days pass, so that we may see our King in his beauty and in the glory of his majesty. For we know, says John, that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is (1 John 3:2).
“And his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as snow.” The evangelist could find nothing brighter than the sun, nothing whiter than snow, to which he might compare Christ’s face and garments. Yet we do not doubt that he is brighter than the sun, for a creature cannot be fully like the Creator.
Mt 17:3 “And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, speaking with him.” But why Moses and Elijah? In Moses we see the Law, in Elijah the Prophets. The apostles therefore see Moses and Elijah speaking with Christ; they see the Law and the Prophets bearing witness to him. Hence also the prophet Habakkuk says, “In the midst of two living creatures you will be known.” Even to this day Christ is known and seen in the midst of these two — in the midst of Moses and Elijah, that is, in the Law and the Prophets. Read the books of Moses, read the books of the prophets — there you will find Christ, there you will know and see him; for there he is transfigured, there the glory of his majesty is revealed to his faithful.
These two men, as Luke says (Luke 9:31), were speaking with Jesus about his death which he was soon to suffer in Jerusalem, and perhaps they rejoiced because they saw the day of their redemption and of the whole human race drawing near.
Mt 17:4 “Peter answered and said to Jesus: Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, let us make here three tents — one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Peter therefore recognized Moses and Elijah, whom he had never seen before, although, as the other evangelists say, he did not know what he was saying.
Mt 17:5 “While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice from the cloud saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” God appeared in the cloud, because in his majesty he cannot be seen by men, as he himself says: “Man shall not see me and live” (Exod 33:20).
We may also understand this cloud as signifying divine Scripture, which, filled with the water of wisdom, appears bright to those who understand and obscure to those who do not. In this cloud almighty God can indeed be heard, but he cannot be seen or understood as he truly is. Everywhere we hear him speaking, but nowhere do we see him except “through a mirror and in an enigma.” For he speaks in the prophets, he speaks in the apostles. Hence the Lord himself says: “It is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you” (Matt 10:20).
Therefore we can see the cloud, but we cannot see the one who speaks in the cloud. Even now, in this cloud of the holy Gospel, we hear him speaking, yet we do not see him. For whose voice is it that these letters sound, if not his? “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” For he was well pleased in his Son, whereas in the creation of man he was displeased — as he says, “I repent that I have made man” (Gen 6:7). He admonishes us to listen to him, to believe him, and to obey him. For in whom should we believe if not in wisdom, justice, and truth? For he is the power of God and the wisdom of God; he is the way, the truth, and the life.
Mt 17:6 “And when the disciples heard, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid.” For what if they had seen his form, when they could not endure his voice?
Mt 17:7 “And Jesus came and touched them and said: Rise, do not be afraid.” Blessed are those whom Jesus touches; blessed are those whom salvation and life touch. For they rise, they become without fear and secure. Let us therefore ask him to touch us also, to awaken us from the sleep of dullness and ignorance, and to open our eyes to see him.
Mt 17:8 “Lifting up their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus alone.” It is enough to see Jesus; it is enough to see that light which whoever follows does not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.
Mt 17:9 “And as they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying: Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.” For it was fitting that so great a glory should first be proclaimed when, having laid aside the mortality of the flesh, he would be clothed with the glory and beauty of the new resurrection.
CONTINUE
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