On 6 August 2024, celebrating the Feast of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor was experienced with particular intensity amidst the Middle East's conflict. For us, as followers of Christ, this event was more than just a simple commemoration; it was a beacon of hope, a divine light shining amid darkness.
The Feast of the Transfiguration commemorates the moment when Jesus, on the summit of Mount Tabor, transfigured before His disciples Peter, James, and John, revealing His divine glory. Celebrating this feast in the very place where it occurred over two thousand years ago is an experience that deeply connects with our faith. Being on Mount Tabor was a powerful reminder that the glory of Christ prevails even in the darkest moments.
In the context of conflict, the feast took on an even more profound significance. The Transfiguration is, above all, a celebration of light, of the victory of life over death, and of hope amidst despair. This celebration reminded us that the darkness surrounding us cannot extinguish the light of Christ. Through the Eucharist, we united in prayer for peace in the region and all those suffering the consequences of war. On Mount Tabor, our prayers rose for ourselves and those who have asked us to intercede for them before God.
After the solemn Mass, we proceeded in a procession to the Church of the Descent, where we received a branch, a symbol of our Lord's Passion. This act tangibly connected us with the Paschal mystery of Christ, reminding us that the glorious Transfiguration is inseparably linked to the cross. That branch in our hands was a reminder that the glory of the Resurrection follows the darkness of the Passion experience on Mount Tabor, inviting us to look beyond present suffering and to contemplate the future glory that awaits us in Christ.
It was a moment of spiritual renewal, a call to witness the light in a world that desperately needs it. As followers of Christ, we are called to be bearers of His light, reflecting His glory and hope amidst the shadows that attempt to darken our faith.
