Church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor
IL Jezreel North District
Where Jesus revealed His full glory to Peter, James and John
Rising prominently above the fertile Jezreel Valley, Mount Tabor stands alone among the hills of Galilee. Its conical shape and isolation make it visible for miles around, earning it the description of a natural pulpit—a fitting symbol for the revelation that occurred on its summit. The mountain’s strategic location near the crossroads of major ancient trade routes also made it significant in both military and religious history (Judges 4:6–15).
Today, the Church of the Transfiguration, designed by architect Antonio Barluzzi in 1924, crowns the summit. The church contains a beautiful mosaic in the apse that depicts Christ between Moses and Elijah, flanked by Peter, James, and John, capturing the dramatic moment of the Transfiguration. The mosaic is richly colored and symbolic: Christ is bathed in gold light, representing divine glory, while the apostles gaze in awe, symbolizing human witness to God’s revelation.
Archaeological evidence supports the identification of this summit as the site of the Transfiguration. Excavations have uncovered remains of earlier Byzantine churches dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries, including mosaic floors and walls, demonstrating that early Christians venerated this site as the location of Christ’s revelation. Some remnants of a Crusader-era chapel and cisterns also indicate continuous pilgrimage and religious activity over the centuries.
The Gospel of Matthew recounts the event:
And after six days Jesus taketh unto him Peter and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart: And he was transfigured before them. And his face did shine as the sun: and his garments became white as snow. And behold there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking with him. And as he was yet speaking, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them. And lo a voice out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him.” — Matthew 17:1–5 (Douay-Rheims)
The appearance of Moses and Elijah carries deep significance. Moses represents the Law, while Elijah represents the Prophets, showing that the entire Old Testament points toward Christ. The radiant transformation of Jesus echoes earlier prophetic visions of divine glory:
“His garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like clean wool.” — Daniel 7:9
Likewise, the cloud recalls the visible presence of God that guided Israel during the Exodus:
“For the cloud of the Lord covered the tabernacle by day, and a fire by night.” — Exodus 40:38
The Transfiguration therefore reveals that the glory once associated with God’s presence among Israel now shines from Christ Himself. It is both a confirmation of His divinity and a foretaste of His resurrection glory.
Connection to the Holy Rosary
The Transfiguration is commemorated in the Fourth Luminous Mystery of the Holy Rosary, introduced by Pope John Paul II in 2002. The Luminous Mysteries focus on the public life of Christ, highlighting His mission, miracles, and revelation of God’s Kingdom. The Transfiguration, in particular, reminds the faithful of Christ’s divine glory and the promise of our own transformation through faith.
Pray the Luminous Mysteries of the Holy Rosary with Mother Angelica
In our reflection video, we recall that the Transfiguration occurs after Jesus asks His disciples two key questions: first, “Whom do men say that the Son of man is?” and then, “But whom say ye that I am?” to His apostles. Peter responds, acknowledging Him as the Christ, the Son of the living God:
“And they asking him, saying: Whom do men say that I, the Son of man, am? Who saith: Some, John Baptist; and others, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answering, saith: Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” — Matthew 16:13–16 (Douay-Rheims)
This moment of confession sets the stage for the Transfiguration, linking human recognition of Christ to the divine revelation of His glory.
Other biblical references and associations:
- Judges 4:6–15 — Battle of Deborah and Barak
- Psalm 89:12 — Tabor mentioned poetically as part of God’s creation
- Matthew 17:1–9; Mark 9:2–8; Luke 9:28–36 — Transfiguration accounts
- Matthew 16:13–16 — Peter’s confession of Christ