This painting depicts the three readings in the Catholic liturgy for Transfiguration Sunday, and shows how they work together to convey a message that emphasizes the reality of heaven and eternal life.

In the first reading (Daniel 7:9-15), shown at the top of the painting, shows Daniel’s vision of heaven and the glory of God. He sees Jesus as “One like a Son of Man” coming with the clouds of heaven, and receiving eternal dominion.

In the third reading (Mark 9:1-13), shown in the middle of the painting, Jesus is transfigured, meaning he appears in his heavenly body, and he speaks to Moses and Elijah. The description of Jesus here resembles the description given of the Ancient One in Daniel’s vision, “his garments became radiant and exceedingly white,” thus associating Jesus with the eternal “Son of Man” seen by Daniel.

In the second reading (2 Peter1:16-21), shown at the bottom of the painting, Peter writes his epistle and reasserts that he and others witnessed the Transfiguration and glory of Jesus and did not merely invent “cleverly devised myths.” And he reminds us that the voice of the Father was heard saying, “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.”

Thus, the supernatural vision of Daniel in which he glimpsed the Trinity and the Divine nature of Jesus is brought down to earth through the Transfiguration of Jesus as witnessed and described by Peter for the benefit of believers. These are powerful words for those who would think of Jesus as just a great prophet or teacher, and they show the exquisitely woven fabric of theology, symbol, prophecy, and concrete witness that make up our liturgy and our faith.