matthew 17... how did they know

so how did they know?  how did the "inner circle" (this is what peter, james and john are referred to as by a number of commentators) know that it was moses and elijah?  they didn't have polaroids that had been passed down.  i don't think they had paintings, where moses sat for a family portrait that's now hanging in the temple.  how did they know?  were they wearing those little "Hello, my name is" name tags?  it doesn't sound like they took the time to be polite.  "Hello, my name is Moses.  You are?"  some how they just knew.

is this a glimpse of what heaven will be like?  we struggle so much for community here on earth.  people get the snot beat out of them to join gangs for community.  some pay all sorts of money.  some go through all sorts of humiliating things to pledge a fraternity.  people do all these things just to be a part of a "community" where they belong.

is this a sign of what community will be like?  i will instantly recognize people i have never met... or even heard of... and know their names.  i will know christians in iran, brazil and canada better than i even know my earthly family.  if it is... WOW!  there's still a ton of work to do here, but i can't wait to get to heaven.