NOTES for Mat 17:1-13
The most important encounters between God and humanity took place on a mountaintop: Moses received the Law, and Elijah heard the breath of the Spirit. Now Jesus ascends a mountain to begin within Himself the transformation of humanity—from the sickness of fear and hatred to divine light. Below, on level ground, prophets always met disappointment and rejection: Moses saw the golden idol, and Elijah apostasy and persecution. Jesus descends to go toward His suffering, death, and resurrection—so that the transfiguration of the beloved Son will not end with Him, so that everyone may follow His path, become a beloved son or daughter of the Father, and live by His light. On this day we can enter into this union of God's light and Christ's cross, which opens the way to the universal Resurrection.