Gospel: Mark 9: 2-13
Mount Tabor is a very steep ascent that overlooks a verdant green valley known as the field of Armageddon. For centuries this field has been the anticipated climactic battlefield between Israel and its enemies, the place where the Messiah would once and for all vanquish the enemies of God's people and restore the kingdom of Israel. This is, in fact, what Jesus does for us in this scene of the Transfiguration.
On Mount Tabor we come to see Jesus as he truly is - his real identity and meaning. We also, in seeing Moses and Elijah - come to see the entire Biblical tradition in its proper light in Jesus. Mount Tabor is the place of our transfiguration, our divinization, the place where our enemy is conquered. For our enemy is ourselves, not anyone else, and we conquer through this steep ascent up the mountain to encounter the Lord.
Once we have experienced this transfiguration and divinization we are more ready to return down the mountain to continue on in Jesus' ministry of mercy extended outward to others. We are ready to help others ascend the mountain so that they too might be transfigured and divinized, ready to engage in this work of love and mercy.
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