After traveling the long and winding road up Mount Tabor, the pilgrims celebrated Mass in the Basilica of Transfiguration and enjoyed an overview of the whole Jezreel Valley imaging what it must have been like to be here with Jesus. “And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart” (Mt 17:1).
“And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light” (Mt 17:2).
“And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you, and one for Moses and one for Elijah”(Mt 17:3-4).
“He was still speaking, when behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Mt 17:5).
Outside the Basilica some pilgrims gather for a picture. The Basilica encloses three grottos, or chapels, commemorating the three tabernacles that Peter suggested should be put there for Jesus, Moses and Elijah.
Inside a grotto, Celeste Thomas leads the pilgrims in a decade of the Rosary as they meditate on the fourth Luminous Mystery, The Transfiguration.
Rosina and Celeste are all smiles on the Mount Tabor.
Mary Alice and Deacon Bob and his wife, Kate are all aglow in the sunshine before the Basilica of Transfiguration.
After a memorable time on Mount Tabor, the pilgrims traveled to Beit She’an to spend time at an active archaeological dig.
…And then it was off to spend the night at the Dead Sea and prepare for their journey through the Judean Wilderness and up to Jerusalem tomorrow!
