Mountains to climb
Whenever I go for a run, I have one clear objective – avoid hills at all costs.
Abraham, Isaac, Jesus, Peter, James and John were clearly made of sterner stuff. In our readings today, Abraham and Isaac went to Moriah (a mountainous region) while Jesus, Peter, James and John climbed Mount Tabor, without any fuss.
God put Abraham to the “test”, and he came out with flying colours through showing his obedience and love to God. Jesus’ test was still to come – dying on the cross to save us. However, at this stage of his ministry, his popularity was in decline having rejected the request from his followers to become their leader. His life was about to be turned upside down, but before this was to happen, he was to be affirmed as the Son of God in the presence of his most trusted disciples.
These days, the road up to the Church of the Transfiguration is quite winding and narrow. Buses cannot get up there so smaller cars/taxis take pilgrims up and down all navigating the narrow and winding road like formula one drivers. So like Peter when you get to the top you are a bit terrified. I like to think that Peter’s terror was awe rather than fear. Having just seen Jesus talking to Moses and Elijah left him awestruck, then to hear the words “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Must have sealed his faith. We however know that later Peter was to deny Jesus three times and that his life too would be turned upside down.
Like Jesus, Abraham and Peter, we all experience turmoil in our lives, be it the loss of someone dear, the breaking up of a friendship or relationship or being shunned for not following the crowd. These can be difficult times and sometimes there is nothing we can do about those who hurt us. We can however do something ourselves – we can pray, remembering that God loves us in the same way he loves his own Son. Let’s use this Lenten period as an opportunity to speak and listen to God more often as helps us to climb our mountains.
While I will try and call on God to help me climb my spiritual mountains, I will unfortunately have to continue to call on Sandra to pick me up with the car at the bottom of the hill that leads up to our home.
Clint Ramoo (Finance Chair)
