Difference between revisions of "Transfiguration"
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[[Jesus Christ|Jesus]] had gone with his disciples [[Apostle Peter|Peter]], [[Apostle James|James]], and [[Apostle John|John]] to [[Mount Tabor]]. Christ's appearance was changed while they watched into a glorious radiant figure. There appeared [[Elijah]] and [[Moses]], speaking with Jesus. The disciples were amazed and terribly afraid. | [[Jesus Christ|Jesus]] had gone with his disciples [[Apostle Peter|Peter]], [[Apostle James|James]], and [[Apostle John|John]] to [[Mount Tabor]]. Christ's appearance was changed while they watched into a glorious radiant figure. There appeared [[Elijah]] and [[Moses]], speaking with Jesus. The disciples were amazed and terribly afraid. | ||
| − | This event shows forth the divinity of Christ, so that the disciples would understand after his Ascension that He was truly the radiant splendor of the [[Father]], and that his Passion was voluntary ([[Gospel of Mark]] 9:2-9). | + | This event shows forth the divinity of Christ, so that the disciples would understand after his Ascension that He was truly the radiant splendor of the [[Father]], and that his Passion was voluntary ([[Gospel of Mark]] 9:2-9). It also shows the possibility of our own [[theosis]]. |
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| + | This event was the subject of some debates between [[Gregory Palamas]] and [[Barlaam of Calabria]]. Barlaam believed that the light shining from Jesus was created light, while Gregory maintained the disciples were given grace to perceive the uncreated light of God. This supported Gregory's larger argument that although we cannot know God in His ''essence'', we can know Him in his ''energies'', as He reveals Himself. | ||
Revision as of 16:50, January 5, 2005
The Transfiguration of Christ is one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church, celebrated on August 6.
Jesus had gone with his disciples Peter, James, and John to Mount Tabor. Christ's appearance was changed while they watched into a glorious radiant figure. There appeared Elijah and Moses, speaking with Jesus. The disciples were amazed and terribly afraid.
This event shows forth the divinity of Christ, so that the disciples would understand after his Ascension that He was truly the radiant splendor of the Father, and that his Passion was voluntary (Gospel of Mark 9:2-9). It also shows the possibility of our own theosis.
This event was the subject of some debates between Gregory Palamas and Barlaam of Calabria. Barlaam believed that the light shining from Jesus was created light, while Gregory maintained the disciples were given grace to perceive the uncreated light of God. This supported Gregory's larger argument that although we cannot know God in His essence, we can know Him in his energies, as He reveals Himself.
