ACC ~ Luke 9 v30 - 31

MOSES AND ELIJAH THE TWO WITNESSES FROM MOUNT SINAI

CYRIL OF JERUSALEM: What strange thing do we announce when we say that God became man and when you say that Abraham received the Lord as a guest? What strange thing do we announce when Jacob says, “I have seen a heavenly being face to face, yet my life has been spared”? [1] The same Lord who ate with Abraham also ate with us. What strange thing do we announce? We present two witnesses who stood before the Lord on Mount Sinai: Moses was “in the hollow of the rock,” [2] and Elijah was once in the hollow of the rock. [3] Being present at his transfiguration on Mount Tabor, they spoke to his disciples “of his death that he was about to fulfill in Jerusalem.” CATECHETICAL LECTURES 12.16. [4]

[1] Gen 32:30.

[2] Ex 33:22.

[3] 1 Kings 19:13.

[4] FC 61: 236-37**.

LORD OF THE PROPHETS

EPHREM THE SYRIAN: Moses and Elijah appeared beside him so that they might know that he was Lord of the prophets. He transformed his face on the mountain before he died, so that they would not be in doubt concerning the transformation of his face after his death. He changed the garments which he was wearing so that they might know that it is also he who will raise to life the body with which he was clothed. He, who gave his body a glory that no one can reach, is able to raise it to life from the death that everyone tastes. COMMENTARY ON TATIAN’S DIATESSARON 14.8. [1]

[1] CTD 217*.

ONLY LUKE REFERS TO JESUS’ EXODUS:

BEDE: Luke writes more clearly of how they appeared and what they spoke about with him. Luke says that Moses and Elijah were seen in majesty, and they spoke of his passing away which he was about to fulfill in Jerusalem. Moses and Elijah, who talked with the Lord on the mountain and spoke about his passion and resurrection, represent the revelations of the law and prophets that were fulfilled in the Lord. …

It is appropriate that the Evangelist reported Moses and Elijah were “seen in majesty.” The mark of the favor with which they are to be crowned is shown by the preeminence of their majesty. It is also appropriately recorded that they spoke about his passing away, which was to be fulfilled in Jerusalem. To his faithful, the Redeemer’s passion has become a unique subject for praise. The more they remember that they could not have been saved apart from his grace, the more they should always ponder the greater memory of this grace in a faithful heart, and bear faithful witness to it. HOMILIES ON THE GOSPELS 1.24. [1]

[1] CS 110:239-40*.