The feast of the Transfiguration is based on an occurrence in the Gospels (Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-10, Luke 9:28-36). This event is a striking manifestation of Jesus' divinity. Our Lord takes Peter, John, and James up onto a mountain where He has a shining appearance as He prays. Moses and Elijah appear and converse with Jesus, and a heavenly voice proclaims, "This is my beloved Son; hear him" (Luke 9:35).
Despite its clear biblical basis, this commemoration has not always been emphasized. The Latin Church did not begin to observe the Transfiguration as a universal feast on August 6 until 1457. In liturgical simplifications during the Reformation, the Feast of the Transfiguration was removed from many calendars, including the calendar of the 1549 Book of Common Prayer. It was restored as a minor commemoration or "black-letter day" on the Elizabethan calendar of 1561. The celebration was finally provided with "propers" as a feast of our Lord in the 1928 American BCP. (Some recent Anglican calendars have adopted the Lutheran custom of observing the Transfiguration on the Last Sunday after the Epiphany.)
Although often overlooked, the Transfiguration of Christ is a significant Christian observance. It illustrates the continuity between Christ's Gospel and the Law and the Prophets. Furthermore, it indicates that Christ's authority remains after Moses and Elijah have faded from view. It manifests our Lord's great inner glory and approval by God the Father. It is also a reminder that the Son of Man must suffer before His glory is more fully revealed (Matthew 17:12).
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