Stuck right in the middle of the holiday season, this momentous event is often ignored. And yet, Jesus takes with him his three closest disciples- Peter, James and John and leads them up to a high mountain where they are alone (see the full story in Mark 9.2-8). Then, suddenly, his appearance changes - he appearance shines through the glory of God - and Moses and Elijah appear at either side of him. Peter says how pleased he is to be there and wants to build three tabernacles - before a cloud then appears and from it a voice exclaims - "This is my beloved Son, Listen to Him".

Some have regarded the story as a resurrection account which went astray; others as a fulfillment of the Old Testament; whilst others regard the story as a picture of the Second Coming.

The main point of the story, however, is that in glimpsing the glory of God on the mountain the disciples are made aware that the suffering of Jesus is imminent. And that the suffering of the world can be transformed if the disciples listen to what Jesus has to say to him.