Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish

FR MICHAEL BOAKYE YEBOAH

CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF KUMASI, GHANA.

HIGH MOUNTAIN 

            High mountains hold special places in the spirituality of the church especially in monastic spirituality. As peace and quiet are key to ascetic life, monasteries were often set in scenic and secluded spots, far from the distraction of bustling cities and towns. In the search for solitude, monks founded monasteries in remote and hard to reach regions to encourage spiritual contemplation.

            At first one may think that this special place of prayer is the reserve of monks alone but that is not the case. Across the world many Marian sanctuaries are located on mountain-tops. Mountain-tops are chosen as places of prayer because of their serenity.

            In today’s gospel passage Matthew recounts to us an inspiring beatific story. We are told Jesus took Peter, James and John and led them up a high mountain. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Come to think of it, it is fascinating to see how in many respects the experience of these two great servants of God matched the experience of Jesus. When Moses came down from the mountain of Sinai, he did not know that the skin of his face shone (cf. Exodus 34:29). Both Moses and Elijah had their most intimate experiences of God on a mountain top. It was into Mount Sinai that Moses went to receive the stone tablets of the law (Exodus 31:18). It was on Mount Horeb that Elijah found God, not in the wind, and not in the earthquake, but in the still small voice (cf. 1 Kings 19:9-12). It is a strange thing that there was something awesome about the deaths of both Moses and Elijah. Deuteronomy 34:5-6 tells of the lonely death of Moses on Mount Nebo. It reads as if God himself was the burier of the great leader of the people.

            The mountain occupies an important place in Judaism, Christianity and other religions. If God wants to meet his messengers, it seems the preferred destination has always been on mountains. In the whole of scripture, the inspired writers reported to us that on countless occasions Jesus went to the mountains and spent the night in prayer. Our simple Catholic faith teaches us that God is in all places but tradition teaches us that praying in a serene mountainous place creates a good atmosphere for prayer.

            Lent is a season for intimate and intense prayers. Throughout the season of Lent, we are called to deepen our prayer life. For some of us, this means beginning a habit of daily prayer, setting aside time each day to share our hopes, joys, fears and frustrations with God – and how good it will be if you chose a mountainous retreat center for a weekend of prayer. I know you can pray in your room or your local parish church but I would like to recommend a weekend retreat on a mountain-top retreat center.

            Do not spend the 40 days of Lent in your comfort zone. In the first reading the author to the book of Genesis tells us how God called Abram and told him to leave his homeland to a place he was to show him. Abraham was taken away from his comfort zone to another place. For Abraham it was a permanent change of residential address but for you I am just recommending a day’s retreat or a weekend retreat.

            Changes of location at times can bring discomfort and some kinds of hardship but these are recommended for a Christian in the season of Lent. We need to learn to bear during harsh times and that was the advice St. Paul gave to Timothy in the second reading. The learned apostle penned down these words to Timothy: “Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began…”

            The aim of moving one from a comfort zone, spending time on the mountains in prayer and the other Lenten exercises, is for one to experience a process of transfiguration. We do not go through Lent to experience a temporal transformation in life but rather to initiate and deepen one’s process of transfiguration which started at the person’s baptism. A Christian should not live his/her life for external transformational features alone but one should focus more on a transfiguration. One’s life situation can be transformed from poverty to wealth; poor health to good health; non-titled life to titled academic, religious and social life (like: Dr., Chief, Rev, etc.) but these are temporal and earthly. Our focus should be drawn to a transfiguration that changes us to bear the full likeness of Christ. And remember this is not an event to be acquired in a day, it is a process. That is why when Peter requested from the Lord to stay in that day’s event on the mountain, his request was denied. Transfiguration calls for the cross and mortification. A little bit of the cross and mortification maybe needed on the mountain and they are meant for your spiritual good.

            Remember, God could have met Elijah and Moses in their respective rooms or places of residence but he chose the mountains of Sinai, Horeb, and the others to meet them. Likewise, Jesus could have prayed or invited Moses and Elijah to meet him in his house but he chose the mountain as the place for the transfiguration. A little Carmelite spirituality of Ascent to the Mountain may be good for you. If you happen to go for a retreat please do not forget to say a prayer for me and my priestly ministry in the seminary. God be with you. OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP PRAY FOR US.