Today, I am visiting the site where the transfiguration of Jesus happened. Transfiguration means change in form or appearance. This is an event where Jesus’ appearance has changed – from human to glorious as He was called the Son of God – putting him above Moses and Elijah. Moses and Elijah represent the two components of the Old Testament – Law and the Prophets. The former was the giver of law while the later was considered the greatest Prophet. Note that Jesus’ transfiguration happened before His passion and death.
From the foot of the mountain, we dropped-by the counter to get our ticket (cost of ticket is part of the tour package). Ticket includes return van transfers as buses are not allowed to get up the mountain because of narrow roads . Travel time from the foot up the church is roughly 5 minutes. It was after lunch when we arrived at Mt. Tabor and thank God it was not too hot then.
What the Bible Say
17 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
Though not specifically mentioned in the Bible that transfiguration happened in Mt. Tabor, activities and the ministry of Jesus points it here hence, since 348AD, Mt. Tabor has been venerated as the site of transfiguration.
At Mt Tabor, there are two churches of transfiguration. One is owned and managed by the Franciscans and the other by the Orthodox Church. I visited the Franciscan Church.
The current church was built in 1924 on the ruins of a 4th century Byzantine Church and 12th century Crusader’s Church. The Byzantine Era or Empire was the continuation of the Roman Empire while the Crusaders were military campaigns to arm the Pope (the Church) because of Turk and Arab invasion.
On top of Mt. Tabor, one can have this spectacular view
MY PERSONAL REFLECTION AT THE CHURCH OF ANNUNCIATION
Transfiguration transforms and prepares us. Transfiguration transforms us from sinfulness to a more holier life. Transfiguration prepares us for the battles of life to come. We have to change our life, our choices and our perspective so we will be ready to face any trials life may bring us. We will succeed all life’s hardships because we good persons. Until and unless we change ourselves for the better, we cant succeed in life.
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