I certainly haven’t. At least not in the literal sense. But how about the metaphorical mountains
we climb in our daily lives? The struggles and hardships, in all their varying degrees, both
emotional, physical, and spiritual, can feel like mountains looming before us. When those we
love are sick. When we see a dream of ours disappear. When we are exhausted from the daily
demands of our jobs. When we think we cannot take another step because every moment is
too hard. Every step on the mountain is too steep.
Throughout the Bible, God has often revealed Himself on mountaintops. God revealed the 10
Commandments to Moses on a mountain. It is where, in today’s first reading, God tested the
depth of Abraham’s faith by commanding him to sacrifice his long awaited son, Isaac, on a
mountain in the land of Moriah. When Abraham was about to answer the call to kill his son,
God stepped in and revealed who He is. He blesses those who put their whole selves in His
loving arms. But what did it take for Abraham to see God as He truly was? A hardship. An
impossible task that no one in our modern day could ever imagine. And yet, on that mountain
top, in what would have been one of, if not the most, challenging moments in Abraham’s life,
God changed everything, promising him descendants as numerous as the stars.
One of the greatest transformations in the Bible was that of the Transfiguration in today’s
Gospel. In anticipation of the Resurrection, Jesus was transfigured, revealing eternal glory to
his disciples. And this event took place on a mountain. Jesus was about to embark on the
hardest task anyone could be asked to do; to willingly lay down one’s life. God met Jesus on
the mountain and revealed His promise of eternal glory to all of us through him.
Climbing the mountains of our lives can be very uncomfortable. It can even be heartbreaking.
They challenge us in every way possible. This Lent, my prayer is that as you see yourself on
the mountain, you also see an opportunity to draw closer to God. God is there with you, ready
to transform you if you allow Him. You have to invite Him in.
Towards the end of today’s Gospel, God reveals how you can draw closer to Him.
“This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.”
Following the example of Jesus and listening to his teaching brings us into a closer relationship
with him. In my experience, building relationships with others requires taking the time to truly
listen and understand them. I learn who they are and can love them as they are when I listen.
We can do the same with our friendship with Jesus. I ask that as you climb the mountains of
your lives that you pray, asking the Lord to meet you there and transform you. I promise, He
will be there.
Second Sunday of Lent Readings:
Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18
Psalm 116:10, 15-19
Romans 8:31b-34
Mark 9:2-10