Christ's Transfiguration aims at Strengthening the Apostles' Faith in anticipation of his Passion: the ascent on to the "high mountain" prepares for the ascent to Calvary. Christ, Head of the Church, Manifests what his Body contains and radiates in the Sacraments: "the Hope of Glory" (Col 1:27; cf.: St. Leo the Great, Sermo 51, 3: PL 54, 310C).