Our Sunday Gospel this week is the Transfiguration. To be transfigured is about looking different, which is what happens to Jesus at
the top of the mountain. Jesus leads Peter, James and John up the mountain. If you have visited or seen pictures of this hill of the transfiguration, you will know it is quite a climb! Although Jesus leads and guides, the journey takes work on their part.
The same is true for us; it takes effort, commitment, and openness to encounter God meaningfully. To know about God or Jesus is not the same as experiencing God. The real experience touches our hearts. We then know Jesus and not only learn about Jesus.
The
significance of the mountain is that it is a place where Moses and Elijah encountered God and heard God’s voice. For them, this happened on Mount Sinai. And so when speaking of mountains, our minds immediately turn to meeting God and connecting with God more deeply, more tangibly. In scripture, Jesus often climbs a mountain or hill to pray. Perhaps you have had a real sense of meeting God or something spiritual when climbing a hill or mountain and looking out from there. Reflect on that again
now and momentarily become aware of the feelings and significance this has for you.
Moses, Elijah, and Jesus, on some occasions, independently
climbed the mountain. On this occasion, Jesus took Peter, James and John with him. This is the same for us. At times we pray on our own, and at other times we pray in community. Jesus knew that what the disciples were to be part of would be a source of strength to each of them so that they could support each other as they brought the good news to others after Jesus’ death and resurrection.
What are the ‘mountains’ I am prepared to climb to pray?
Who are the individuals or groups who support me in prayer when I have mountains to climb? To whom am I a source of strength?
I ask God for the grace to
be open to receiving what God is waiting and longing to offer me. When have I experienced God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit? Think of times when, for a split second, I experienced another world beyond this one.
