Youcat commented through CCC - Question n. 93 - Part II.

YOUCAT Question n. 93 - Part II. Why was Christ transfigured on the mountain?

(Youcat answer - repeated) The Father wanted to reveal the divine glory of his Son even during Jesus’ earthly life. Christ’s Transfiguration was meant to help the disciples later to understand his death and Resurrection.   

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 555 a) For a moment Jesus discloses his divine glory, confirming Peter's confession. He also reveals that he will have to go by the way of the cross at Jerusalem in order to "enter into his glory" (Lk 24:26). Moses and Elijah had seen God's glory on the Mountain; the Law and the Prophets had announced the Messiah's sufferings (Cf. Lk 24:27). Christ's Passion is the will of the Father: the Son acts as God's servant (Cf. Isa 42:1); The cloud indicates the presence of the Holy Spirit. "The whole Trinity appeared: the Father in the voice; the Son in the man; the Spirit in the shining cloud" (St. Thomas Aquinas, STh III, 45, 4, ad 2).     

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) Three Gospels relate how Jesus, on the mountaintop, begins to shine (is “transfigured”) before the eyes of his disciples. The voice of his heavenly Father calls Jesus his “beloved Son”, to whom they are supposed to listen. Peter would like to “make three booths” and capture the moment. Jesus, however, is on the way that leads to suffering. The vision of glory is only to strengthen his disciples.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 555 b) You were transfigured on the mountain, and your disciples, as much as they were capable of it, beheld your glory, O Christ our God, so that when they should see you crucified they would understand that your Passion was voluntary, and proclaim to the world that you truly are the splendour of the Father (Byzantine Liturgy, Feast of the Transfiguration, Kontakion).     

 (This question: Why was Christ transfigured on the mountain? is continued)