Sunday’s Gospel is Mark 9:2-10
Where it happened
Although the evangelists do not mention Mount Tabor, it is the only high mountain in the region. From the beginning, Christians have linked the Transfiguration of Jesus with Mount Tabor. One of the first churches in the Holy Land was founded here in the early 4th century. Pilgrims climbed Mount Tabor to pray in this sacred place thanks to 4,340 steps.
Keywords
Mountain – Jesus transformed himself on Mount Tabor and gave his life for us on Mount Golgotha. On Mount Tabor he strengthened the faith of the disciples before his Passion and death on Golgotha. Jesus strengthens the disciples against difficult events.
Moses and Elijah – symbolize the Torah and the prophets. The prophecies of the Old Testament are fulfilled in the person of Jesus, who is the promised Messiah. The current Mount Tabor church has two huge towers on either side of the entrance. They symbolize Moses and Elijah flanking Jesus.
“This is my beloved Son. Listen to him” – The very words of God the Father rang out from heaven during Jesus’ baptism in Jordan. How can we listen to the voice of Jesus? He continually speaks to us through the inspired Word, which is Sacred Scripture.
Today
Since 1961, Mount Tabor has been a center for people who have completed a detox journey and want to be free from drugs and other intoxicating substances. They chose this mountain because they too want to “transform” their lives in the way Jesus “transformed” himself. Their daily program is work and spiritual life.
God can transform our lives too. The first step is to have the desire to change and make the decision to walk to the transfiguration. Do I speak to Jesus about my desire for transfiguration?
We too can change our lives. The first step is to want to change and decide it. Have I already made a decision for Lent?
And today we celebrate...