THE word "transfiguration" is derived from the Latin words trans, meaning across (implying change), beyond, and figura meaning figure. In Christian Science we learn that "all is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation," as Mrs. Eddy states in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 468). Therefore, in Science we might be permitted to define the word "transfiguration" as a change of thought beyond the mortal belief of mind in matter to the realization of the perfect spiritual idea, in accordance with Mrs. Eddy's further words (ibid.), "Man is not material; he is spiritual." This realization not only would transform one's thinking but would bring about a change from discordant to harmonious conditions, from a belief of sickness to health; from a belief of lack to abundant supply; from a belief of sin to purified thinking.
Those who have taken up the study of Christian Science are deeply grateful to their revered Leader, who, through the spiritual interpretation of the Scriptures, has made it possible for them to overcome undesirable traits, such as hatred, envy, resentment, malice, bad temper, self will, self-righteousness, and so on, by right thinking, constructive thinking, transfiguring thinking, thus bringing about a greater sense of harmony. Mrs. Eddy has referred to this need of evangelizing the human self in "Miscellaneous Writings," where she says (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 360), "Human lives are yet uncarved,—in the rough marble, encumbered with crude, rude fragments, and awaiting the hammering, chiselling, and transfiguration from His hand."
Jesus, revealing the Son of God, fashioned after the divine, has shown us the way by giving us a knowledge of Christ, Truth, and of man's at-one-ment with God, the Father. He was able to heal others of their sicknesses and their sins, and even to raise the dead, by what are called miracles, but what in reality were natural demonstrations of God's omnipotence and omnipresence. His transfiguration on the mount and his resurrection were proofs that he understood eternal life, wherein death has no part.
