On the Luminous Feast of the #Transfiguration
The Sacred Mount Tabor
Mount Tabor stands not merely as a testament to the earth's grandeur but as a beacon of a divine mystery, central to our faith and salvation. The psalmist, in his infinite wisdom, once proclaimed, "Tabor and Hermon rejoice in His name" (Ps 88:12). A mountain is not merely a landform; it's a testament to the heights of God's glory and the depths of His wisdom.
Historical Significance of Tabor
Nestled a mere 10 km from the Sea of Galilee, Mount Tabor has long been a site of spiritual significance. Its historical importance is evident from ancient battles to prophecies, with heroes like Barak finding victory at its base and King Saul receiving divine prophecies upon its heights. The Scriptures, in their divine wisdom, hold Mount Tabor in high regard, associating it with the tribes and the mysteries of God.
The Light of Transfiguration
Yet, among all events, the Transfiguration stands out as the pinnacle of Mount Tabor's significance. Here, our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ, ascended with Peter, John, and James, revealing His divine nature in a burst of celestial light, demonstrating both His humanity and divinity. Such a profound event was hinted centuries before by the Holy Prophet David, who foresaw the mystery that would unfold on this sacred mountain.
Reasons for the Selection of the Three Disciples
1. Peter's Faith and Faltering: Peter, the rock upon which Christ would build His church, once rebuked the Lord, failing to understand the divine plan. On Tabor, he was shown the ineffable glory of Christ, solidifying his faith.
2. John and James' Misunderstanding: These two believed in an earthly kingdom. Ascending Tabor, they were shown the heavenly nature of Christ's dominion.
3. The Exclusion of Judas: The betrayer was left below, perhaps as a mercy, so he would not bear the weight of witnessing such glory and then committing his impending treachery.
Mountains: Where Heaven Meets Earth
Mountains, in their towering majesty, have always been places of divine revelation. From Abraham's test on Moriah to Moses' communion with the Almighty on Sinai, mountains serve as gateways to the divine. The Savior Himself, in His earthly ministry, often retreated to mountains to teach, pray, and reveal divine truths. Tabor was the culmination of these mountainous revelations.
The Revelation to the Disciples
As the divine light enveloped Christ, Moses and Elijah appeared beside Him. Moses, who once yearned to see God's face, now stood beside the incarnate Lord. Elijah, taken to heaven in a fiery chariot, returned to bear witness to Christ's divinity. Their presence refuted the claims of those who saw Jesus as merely another prophet. He was, and is, the Son of God.
Peter's Exclamation
Peter's exclamation, "Lord, it is good for us to be here," resonates with all who yearn for the divine. Like the psalmist who yearned to dwell in God's house, we too long for such moments of divine clarity and proximity.
The Feast and Modern Celebrations
In commemoration of this divine event, the Orthodox Tewahedo Church celebrates annually with profound reverence. The dazzling light of Tabor reminds us of the luminous nature of Christ. Traditions like Buhe, with its emphasis on light, echo the radiance of that day. However, it's crucial that we remember the spiritual significance and not be led astray by mere ritual or secular distractions.
About #patience, #pride and #greed
Dear members of John's Repentance spiritual service, today we send you a lesson on patience pride and greed so that you may learn about these major topics in our Church and apply the learnings in your life, especially during this fasting season.
I. Impatience
The virtue of patience is a glowing ember in the heart that illumines the dark path of impatience. Impatience is indeed a root of evil that finds its nourishment in the soil of haste and instability. As the lesson vividly illustrates, it was through impatience that our first parents, Adam and Eve, were led astray by the serpent's whispers.
To the pious soul, patience is a fortress that shields against the storms of earthly desires and passions. It is not merely the absence of haste but a manifestation of divine wisdom, as revealed in Christ's own example. His silence before the shearers, His endurance upon the Cross, reflects the profound depth of His patience, a virtue that mortifies death itself. For as it is written, "A sin planted in haste is rooted out by patience."
II. Pride
Pride, or arrogance, is a festering wound in the soul, the original sin that cast Lucifer from the heavenly realms. It is a declaration of self-sufficiency, a refusal to acknowledge our true state of dependence upon the Almighty God.
In Christ, we find the antidote to pride: humility and obedience. Christ's willing submission unto death, even death on the Cross, stands as a beacon of hope for our fallen nature. In Him, obedience becomes the key that unlocks the gate to eternal life, breaking the shackles of disobedience that bound humanity to death. Our call is to "imitate Christ by obeying," for "Man can bear the image of Christ only when he is obedient."
III. Greed
Greed, that insatiable lust for more, is an ailment that blinds the soul to the richness of God's grace. Like a parasite, it gnaws at contentment, leaving behind a void filled only with emptiness and longing.
Christ's response to greed is a lesson in generosity. The Son of Man, who did not cling to what was His, emptied Himself, giving even His very life for the salvation of humanity. In His example, we find the grace to conquer the vice of greed. "Death, which entered greedily, came out generously," and we are called to walk in the footsteps of our Savior, learning to be not greedy, but generous.
Conclusion
In our struggle against the evils of Impatience, Pride, and Greed, let us take up the armor of the virtues of Patience, Humility, and Generosity, as manifested in the life of Christ. These virtues are not mere abstractions but the very lifeblood of our salvation. They are a path trodden by the saints, guided by the wisdom of the Fathers, and made possible through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
By walking this path, we engage in a daily struggle to cleanse our souls from the stains of worldly passions. We turn our gaze toward Heaven and discover, in the silence of the heart, the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit calling us to a life of righteousness and peace.
May this lesson be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, that we may "run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:1-2), and thus enter into the joy of our Lord. Amen.
May the name of the Holy God be praised forever and ever in every language that He has created, today and always.
May the blessings of the Holy Mother of God, the Virgin, and the Cross be upon us. Amen.
© John's Repentance
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