The Transfiguration

Theophanes the Greek (c. 1340–c. 1410) — c. 1403 · Tempera on panel (icon) · Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow

“While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” — Matthew 17:5 (KJV)

About

Theophanes the Greek, the Byzantine master who taught Russia to paint, made this icon about 1403: Christ white at the summit between Moses and Elijah, blue rays bursting outward, the apostles tumbling headlong below in the dazzle.

The Meaning

Orthodox theology made much of this light: the uncreated light of Tabor, they taught, is God's own glory shown to mortal eyes. The icon's rays go in every direction because that glory cannot be fenced — the apostles are knocked flat by it.

For Us Today

Lord, it is good for us to be here (Matthew 17:4) — but the mountain is for the valley's sake. Carry the glory you have seen in private worship down into ordinary work and ordinary people.

Image: Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons — the file’s page. Tap the picture to open the full-size original there.