It was at this point that the Transfiguration took place.  Its purpose was to prepare the Apostles for Our Lord’s Crucifixion and Resurrection by revealing to them, in an unforgettable way, the Father’s declared approval on his Son’s ministry and on his acceptance of the Cross.

So when Jesus was condemned and crucified, they would know that though rejected by men he was accepted by God.

When his face was covered with blood and sweat, they would have seen it shining like the sun.

When his seamless robe became a soldier’s perquisite, they would recollect how once it had been white as the light.

When two thieves were crucified with him on Calvary, they would remember that on the mountain there had stood beside him Moses and Elijah.

And when they listened to the passers-by jeering at him and saying, “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross” (NRSV, Matthew 27:40), they would recall the Father’s own assurance, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” (NRSV, Matthew 17:5).

And finally when he appeared to them on Easter Day in his risen body, for Peter, James and John there would be something reminiscent and familiar in his radiant glory.