Several hundred people were on the snaking road up Mount Tabor on the solemnity of the Transfiguration of Jesus. From Jerusalem, Nazareth, Akko and the sanctuaries in the Galilee, numerous Latin parishes gathered to strengthen their faith. Although it is not mentioned in the New Testament (where the text mentions only “the mountain”), Christian tradition quickly identified Tabor as the site of the Transfiguration. Archaeological evidence later showed the existence of a sanctuary dating to the fourth century. From yesterday to today is but one step. “It is good that we are here,” Peter said to Jesus and in the same way the Custos of the Holy Land, presiding over the celebration, welcomed the congregation.
“Jesus granted the privilege of his transfiguration to the twelve apostles. I dare say that today we, too, have been chosen and called to come to this place. It is important to know how to read our presence as a part of God’s plan,” began Fra Amjad Sabbara in his homily. Then he repeated God’s exhortation: Listen to him, because it is in listening to the Lord that we become capable, starting today, of beginning our own transfiguration. The Nazareth parish priest presented Christian transfiguration not only as an obligation, but as a commandment: “The voice that we hear is not just an invitation or a suggestion to the baptized Christian; it is a commandment for our own good! It is a necessity for the children of God and the Lord trusts us.” If the sixth of August is the feast day of Christ’s divine splendor, it is also an important time for strengthening the hope of the Church. God reminds us that he firmly places his trust in beloved Son and through him in mankind.
The liturgy was telecast live on Light Television (Noor TV), and the homily was translated into several languages. At the conclusion of the rich ceremony that brought the friars in procession to the place where Jesus told the apostles to “go down the mountain”, (the Descentibus Chapel), the entire congregation was generously invited to share a bountiful buffet prepared by the young people of Mondo X (a charitable organization founded by the Franciscans in 2006 to help the vocational rehabilitation of young people in difficulty).
With the cultivated, green fields of the Galilee stretching out as far as the eye can see, everyone was able to profit from this time of friendship and fraternity. The day continued with some people visiting Tabor, some making short excursions, and still others having a time of prayer. The parishes of Jerusalem and Beit Hanina enjoyed a little cruise on the Sea of Galilee to the sound of the dabke, the Middle Eastern drum—a precious respite from the weight and sadness of everyday life. “O Virgin Mary, when we can no longer find the words to pray, when our eyes are clouded by our erroneous beliefs, come with your Son Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit to transfigure our souls, come rekindle in us the light of faith” (Holy Rosary, fourth luminous mystery).
E.R.
“Jesus granted the privilege of his transfiguration to the twelve apostles. I dare say that today we, too, have been chosen and called to come to this place. It is important to know how to read our presence as a part of God’s plan,” began Fra Amjad Sabbara in his homily. Then he repeated God’s exhortation: Listen to him, because it is in listening to the Lord that we become capable, starting today, of beginning our own transfiguration. The Nazareth parish priest presented Christian transfiguration not only as an obligation, but as a commandment: “The voice that we hear is not just an invitation or a suggestion to the baptized Christian; it is a commandment for our own good! It is a necessity for the children of God and the Lord trusts us.” If the sixth of August is the feast day of Christ’s divine splendor, it is also an important time for strengthening the hope of the Church. God reminds us that he firmly places his trust in beloved Son and through him in mankind.
The liturgy was telecast live on Light Television (Noor TV), and the homily was translated into several languages. At the conclusion of the rich ceremony that brought the friars in procession to the place where Jesus told the apostles to “go down the mountain”, (the Descentibus Chapel), the entire congregation was generously invited to share a bountiful buffet prepared by the young people of Mondo X (a charitable organization founded by the Franciscans in 2006 to help the vocational rehabilitation of young people in difficulty).
With the cultivated, green fields of the Galilee stretching out as far as the eye can see, everyone was able to profit from this time of friendship and fraternity. The day continued with some people visiting Tabor, some making short excursions, and still others having a time of prayer. The parishes of Jerusalem and Beit Hanina enjoyed a little cruise on the Sea of Galilee to the sound of the dabke, the Middle Eastern drum—a precious respite from the weight and sadness of everyday life. “O Virgin Mary, when we can no longer find the words to pray, when our eyes are clouded by our erroneous beliefs, come with your Son Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit to transfigure our souls, come rekindle in us the light of faith” (Holy Rosary, fourth luminous mystery).
E.R.