Climbing the Mountains- Our Faith Journey

This week, we see Abraham making his way to the mountain to be tested and experience God’s providence. In the Gospel of Mark (9:2-9), Jesus leads Peter, James and John up a mountain to experience the glory of God.

In his homily, Fr. Dom highlighted that our faith journey is not a level one but one that requires us to climb mountains. He explained that the readings of the week show us journeys that take the faithful up mountains.

If anyone has climbed a mountain, it is an arduous task – requires physical fitness, strength, flexibility and endurance. In the bible, the mountains signify the places of encounter with God. Moses climbed Mount Sinai, Abraham Mount Moriah and Jesus with his disciples Mount Tabor.

Fr. Dom, explained that climbing Mount Tabor these days is easier as there are taxis that take us up the winding road to the top. But during the time of Jesus, it must have been a difficult journey. Nevertheless, the journey to the mountain symbolize our journey in life which also requires discipline, strength, flexibility and endurance. There are times when we would feel like giving up because the climb is too steep but we need to keep on going if we are to experience the Glory of God.

Fr. Dom explained that climbing the mountain has the following significance- test, trust, gratitude and testimony. When we go through life’s journey, we are  tested and in these moments we need to trust God and be grateful for the strength he gives us and testify to the glory of God. We need rise above our love for created things to experience God’s glory. In our journey, we need to Listen to Him ( Mk 9: 7)

“When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know, but if you listen, you may learn something new ” Dalai Lama