When we recognize the place of the Transfiguration in the historical context of Jesus' public ministry, we will appreciate even more the deeper meaning of this miracle (which St Thomas Aquinas describes as the greatest of all Christ's miracles).
The Transfiguration occurs late in our Lord's life, perhaps only a half a year or less before his death - and it is a real turning point, in which Jesus moves towards his passion and death. The Transfiguration occurs on the Octave Day of the establishment of the primacy of St Peter ("On this rock, I will build my Church") and of the first prediction of the Passion. Further, immediately after the Transfiguration, our Lord tells all the Apostles that certain demons can only be cast out by prayer and fasting. Thus, the Transfiguration inspires us to persevere in our Lenten Fast.
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