There’s something beyond this world
that can be glimpsed through this world.
--Bishop Robert Barron
Many of us have likely stood on the summit of a mountain at some point in our lives. Standing there, we often experience a profound sense of distance from the world below, a peaceful detachment from the busyness of everyday life. It was to such a place that Jesus led three of his disciples to pray, away from the crowds and distractions. As He prayed, something extraordinary happened: “the appearance of his face changed.” In that moment, Jesus heard his Father’s voice calling Him in love: “This is my Son, my Chosen One.” There’s something deeply human about hearing our name spoken with love—it transforms us. Our faces light up, and our hearts are lifted. Conversely, when we encounter hostility or rejection, the opposite effect is visible—our features darken, and sadness takes hold. We see this contrast vividly in images from war-torn regions, where countless faces reflect grief and suffering.
On the mountain, Jesus was being strengthened for what lay ahead: the journey into the valley, where suffering and sacrifice awaited Him. The disciples, however, struggled to grasp this reality. When the voice from heaven commanded, “Listen to him!” it was a call for them to heed Jesus’ words about the necessity of his suffering and death, words they found difficult to accept. They hesitated to come down from the mountain, reluctant to face the challenging road that awaited them.
As followers of Jesus, we too live between the mountain and the valley—between moments of prayerful encounter with God and the daily challenges of life and work. We tend to spend far more time in the valley than on the mountain. Yet, the mountain of prayer is essential. It’s where we step back, quieten our hearts, and simply be in God’s presence, allowing his love to transform us and strengthen us for whatever the valley may bring.
--Fr. Patrick van der Vorst
Image source: Transfiguration, St. John’s Bible, https://webpages.scu.edu/ftp/cmurphy/courses/sctr015/prep/xams/saint-johns-bible.htm.
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