And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying,
This is my beloved Son:
hear him.
Read Chapter 9
Ambrose of Milan
AD 397
In his baptism he identified him, saying: “You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” He declared him on the mount, saying: “This is my beloved Son, hear him.” He declared him in his passion, when the sun hid itself, and sea and earth trembled. He declared him in the centurion, who said: “Truly this was the Son of God.”
Moses was there, and Elijah. The voice did not say: These are my beloved sons. For One only is the Son; others are adopted. It is he that is commended to them: He from whom the law and prophets derive their glory. .
Do not set up tents equally for the Lord and his servants. “This is my beloved Son; hear him,” my Son, not Moses or Elijah. They are servants; this is the Son. This is my Son, of my nature, of my substance, abiding in me, and he is all that I am. This is my beloved Son. They, too, indeed are dear to me, but he is my beloved; hear him, therefore. They proclaim and teach him, but you, hear him. He is the Lord and master, they are companions in service. Moses and Elijah speak of Christ; they are your fellow servants. He is the Lord; hear him.
It seems to me that this cloud is the grace of the Holy Spirit. Naturally, a tent gives shelter and overshadows those who are within; the cloud, therefore, serves the purpose of the tents. O Peter, you who want to set up three tents, have regard for the one tent of the Holy Spirit who shelters us equally.
