Mountaintops and valleys

Mark 9 : 2 - 10

"Rabbi, it is good for us to be here." As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone...until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

We all love mountaintop experiences whether in our spiritual journeys or in our journey through life. I recall a mountaintop experience when I visited the Canadian Rockies a few years ago. We were at a small town called Banff, in late October. It had snowed quite heavily and what a view! Still early for the ski season, so the town was fairly quiet. Standing there in silence surrounded by snow capped mountains was an awesome moment. I only wish such refreshing moments would last. Like Peter, I wanted so much to set up 'tents' right there and live surrounded by that beauty. I am thankful though that I have wonderful memories that still fill my heart with wonder at God's creative handiwork.

Similarly, in our journey towards God, there are 'holy' moments, when God grants us an encounter with himself. Yes, the beauty of nature can draw us into such moments. But 'holy' moments also occur in our often mundane and ordinary 'quiet times'. Sometimes, we tend to look outside only, but there is a whole tradition of contemplative prayer that prepares us to notice the inner movements of the Spirit of God in our hearts. I used to 'miss' those moments when the living Lord's reality invaded my life. I was not so aware of inner movements then. I found it hard to be quiet enough to hear what was going on within. Some spiritual writers comment that when God 'visits' we are seldom 'home'. We are somewhere else, in our thoughts, even if physically in prayer. It is now easier for me to be 'home' and note the holy touches of God. I have adopted the discipline of keeping a record in my journal.

Jesus still brings us up the mountain.....and such moments are precious gifts. Yet they do not last; for we are not yet in the heavenly realms. Like Peter and his freinds, we are also called to accompany Jesus down the mountain and on the 'way to Jerusalem'. The comforting experiences are foundational to our spiritual life. They are given to strengthen us, to help us keep going in between.....especially in those times when we walk through the valleys, when the cross intersects our lives. Like the disciples we will be confused. But at such times, I will continue to keenly listen for Jesus, the beloved Son.