His Holiness Pope Shenouda explains the event of the Transfiguration where Christ ascended in a human body with Peter, James, and John, and Christ’s appearance changed and Moses and Elijah appeared with him, then the Father called: “This is my beloved Son.”

The content of the Transfiguration and His Divinity

The Transfiguration shows Christ’s glory and divinity, and indicates that the human nature He assumed was humble but can reveal His divine glory when needed. The presence of Moses and Elijah signifies the universality of God’s salvation for all people.

The transfiguration of human nature and the spirit

The Transfiguration provided an example that human nature can be elevated and clothe itself with luminosity and incorruption at the Resurrection; the body becomes luminous and the human spirit is purified and freed from the weakness of sin to enter the kingdom life.

Gradation of vision and grace

The Pope explained that Christ may reveal His glory gradually to prepare people for a greater vision at the Second Coming; and that moments of spiritual transfiguration may also occur in thought, talents, and mercy as a result of the work of grace in the person.

The symbolism of Moses and Elijah

Moses and Elijah represent the total states of humanity — the married and the virgins, those who died and those who ascended — to confirm that every category with a pure heart will gather around Christ in the glory of the kingdom, regardless of their differing traits.

A call to purification and hope

The Transfiguration is a pledge and taste of the kingdom that gives comfort to believers and calls for preparing the self by holiness and love of God, because everyone who purifies their heart will partake in this transfiguration on the last day.

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