Vigils Reading – 2nd Sunday of Lent

THE VISION OF CHRIST’S GLORY

From a commentary by St Cyril of Alexandria

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With three chosen disciples Jesus went up the mountain. Then he was

transfigured by a wonderful light that made even his clothes seem to shine.

Moses and Elijah stood by him and spoke with him on how he was going to

complete his task on earth by dying in Jerusalem. In other words, they spoke of

the mystery of his incarnation, and of his saving passion upon the cross. For the

Law of Moses and the teaching of the holy prophets clearly foreshadowed the

mystery of Christ. The Law portrayed it by types and symbols inscribed on

tablets. The prophets in many ways foretold that in his own time he would

appear, clothed in human nature and that for the salvation of all our race he

would not refuse to suffer death upon the cross.

The presence of Moses and Elijah, and their speaking together, was meant

to show unmistakably that the Law and the prophets were the attendants of Our

Lord Jesus Christ. He was their master, whom they had themselves pointed out

in advance in prophetic words that proved their perfect harmony with one

another. The message of the prophets was in no way at variance with the

precepts of the Law.

Moses and Elijah did not simply appear in silence, they spoke of how

Jesus was to complete his task by dying in Jerusalem. They spoke of his passion

and cross, and of the resurrection that would follow. Thinking no doubt that the

time for the kingdom of God had already come, Peter would gladly have

remained on the mountain. He suggested putting up three tents, hardly

knowing what he was saying. But it was not yet time for the end of the world, nor

was it in this present time that the hopes of the saints would be fulfilled – those

hopes founded on Paul’s promise that Christ would transform our lowly bodies

into the likeness of his glorious body. Only the initial stage of the divine plan

had as yet been accomplished. Until its completion. was it likely that Christ, who

came on earth for love of the world, would give up his wish to die for it? For his

submitting to death was the world’s salvation, and his resurrection was death’s

destruction.

As well as the vision of Christ’s glory, wonderful beyond all description,

something else occurred which was to serve as a vital confirmation , not only of

the disciples’ faith, but of ours as well. From a cloud on high came the voice of

God the Father saying: This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.

Listen to him.