On Thursday 6 August, the Feast of the Transfiguration, we recall when Moses, representing the Law, and Elias (Elijah), representing the Prophets—two men who had special visions of God—appear with Our Lord on Mount Tabor (St. Matthew 17, St. Mark 9, St. Luke 9). There, the Apostles see the Divine Uncreated Light shine forth from Our Lord, Who had told them previously that He must die and be resurrected. Christ, as the Temple to be raised up three days after being torn down, shows that He is, indeed, the One in Whom the glory dwells. As the Creed says, ‘Deum de Deo, Lumen de lumine, Deum verum de Deo vero’ (God from God, Light from Light, true God of true God). Of significance to this Feast is what it reveals about true Judaism. False Judaism had rejected the Messias, and now true Judaism, represented by Moses and Elias, the Law and the Prophets, recognised and adored Him, while for the second time God the Father proclaimed Him His only-begotten and well-loved Son.

Regarding the Transfiguration, Saint John Chrysostom said: ‘The righteous therefore will shine as the sun, and more than the sun in that time; but the sinners shall suffer all extremities. Then will there be no need of records, proofs, witnesses. For He who judges is Himself all, both witness, and proof, and judge. For He knows all things exactly; “For all things are naked and opened unto His eyes.” No man will there appear rich or poor, mighty or weak, wise or unwise, bond or free; but these masks will be dashed in pieces, and the inquiry will be into their works only. For if in our courts, when any one is tried for usurpation, or murder, whatever he may be, whether governor, or consul, or what you will, all these dignities fleet away, and he that is convicted suffers the utmost penalty; much more will it be so there. Therefore that this may not be so, let us lay aside our filthy garments, let us put on the armour of light, and the glory of God will wrap us around.’

[The image above shows the Transfiguration of Our Lord, painted by Duccio di Buoninsegna in the early 14th Century. It is now in the National Gallery, London.]