The Ancient Witnesses

208 • The Ancient Witnesses: A Journey to Discover Our Sacred Roots

will come in the glory of God the Father, and not in low estate as he previously came to us. 81 “How did Christ help them glimpse this future glory?” continued Cyril, “He goes up into the mountain taking with him three chosen disciples and is transformed to so surpassing and godlike a brightness, that his garments even glittered with rays of fire, and seemed to flash like lightening. And Moses and Elijah stood at Jesus’ side, and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem—by which is meant the mystery of the dispensation in the flesh, and of his precious suffering upon the cross. 82 “And this,” said Cyril, “was the method which our Lord Jesus Christ used for the benefit and edification of the holy Apostles. Allowing them to become spectators of splendid and glorious changes—Peter appears to have believed that the kingdom had come already in fullness—“Lord, it is good that we are here” 83 —Christ thereby equipped his followers to be made partakers of the hope prepared for the saints, to joyfully undergo combat for piety’s sake toward Christ, and to lead elect lives, not complaisant or shy but manfully resisting every temptation, and nullifying violent persecutions, while they count it gain to suffer on his behalf. “Such disciples,” Cyril concluded, “are skillful in battle and roused to a glorious height of courage”! 84

81 Same as previous note.

82 Same as previous note, 227-228.

83 Matt. 17:4.

84 Cyril of Alexandria and R. Payne Smith 1859. Commentary upon the Gospel according to St. Luke (Oxford: Univ. Press), Sermon 51, 226.