On the occasion of the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, the Eucharistic celebration took place in the Franciscan Basilica on Mount Tabor, presided over by Custos of the Holy Land Br. Francesco Ielpo. The site stands where, according to tradition, the Gospel episode occurs in which Jesus reveals himself in glory before three of his disciples.

The context of the Transfiguration

Mount Tabor is located in the region of Galilee and is distinguished by its isolated position in the Esdraelon plain. According to the account of the Synoptic Gospels, Jesus took Peter, James and John "up a high mountain" and there he was transfigured before them, appearing with a shining face and white garments. With him appeared Moses and Elijah, symbolic figures of the Law and the Prophets.

A light that precedes the cross

In his homily, Br. Ielpo recalled that the Gospel places this episode six days after Jesus' announcement of the Passion. "The Gospel we have just heard opens with a significant temporal note: 'Six days later'," he said. "Six days after the announcement of the Passion, a shocking moment for the disciples, Jesus takes them with him and leads them apart, up a high mountain".

The experience of the Transfiguration does not eliminate the difficulty of the journey, but offers a broader vision. "It is as if the Lord, knowing the fatigue of the path, offered them a moment of light, a Foretaste of Paradise".

Living in the holy places is a responsibility

Addressing those present, the custos emphasized the particular significance this episode assumes for those living in the Holy Land: "I like to think, today, of us Christians of the Holy Land as those privileged disciples, because it is given to us, by grace, to be physically on this mountain, to walk in these holy places, where the Word became flesh". For the custos, it is not only a gift but also a calling to be witnesses in a context often marked by suffering.

"Listen to him": the center of Christian faith

At the center of the Gospel account is the voice of the Father indicating Jesus as the Son to be listened to. "Listening to Jesus. Not only hearing him, but welcoming him, following him, trusting his Word," said Br. Ielpo. This listening becomes fundamental in facing even moments of difficulty. "Whoever listens to the Gospel and puts it into practice already experiences transfiguration: an inner transformation that enables us to live even pain in a new way, illuminated by hope".

A vision that supports the journey

The liturgy concluded with an invitation to carry with oneself what was lived on the mountain. "Let us also allow ourselves on this mountain to be transfigured by the light of the Gospel," said the custos. "And when we come down, like the disciples, let us remember that glory does not take us away from the cross, but gives us the strength to carry it".

"May the light of the Transfiguration accompany us in dark days. May the voice of the Father guide us on the journey, and may the hope of the Resurrection always sustain us".