This Wednesday, the Feast of the Transfiguration is celebrated and commemorates the dedication of the basilicas on Mount Tabor. It originated as early as the end of the 5th century. The date set for the Feast, is 40 days prior to the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, manifesting its close connection with it. In the West, it began to be celebrated from the 9th century. The mystery of the Transfiguration is, of course, at the heart of the Feast: the vision of the “old man” on the fiery throne and the appearance of the “Son of Man”.

“Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen. (Lk 9:28b-36)

Elijah, father of the prophets; Moses, guardian of the law. They represent the entire history of the Old Testament. Moses had been gifted with various manifestations of God’s presence. But we also know that another like Moses was being awaited: “A prophet like me will the Lord, your God, raise up for you from among your own kindred; that is the one to whom you shall listen” (Dt 18:15).  Jesus is the new Moses. Next to Moses is Elijah, the father of the prophets who climbed the mountain as well, and heard God “in the still, small voice” (1 Kings 19:12). He represents the ideal synthesis of the entire host of prophets that ended with John the Baptist, being the last prophet, the “new Elijah” (cf. Mt 11:14).

While it is true that Jesus has to “reveal Himself” to the disciples, there is also a more “human” aspect: Jesus Himself needs to face “His exodus” (passion/death/resurrection). He knows He cannot do this with His disciples, because they do not understand. So, He chooses two illustrious “friends”, two friends we find in Scripture. In this way Jesus teaches me and you that we must know how to choose with whom to confide and face certain things, because no one knows everything. The Church indicates biblical figures, as well as the Saints, as “friends and models of life,” who can help us to understand the meaning of life and give us proper direction through their writings and example.

 – Vatican News