Have you ever been on a spiritual retreat in the mountains? There is something about the mountains that make me feel closer to God. My happy place in the mountains is Lake Junaluska, a Methodist retreat and conference center. I’ve been going there almost every year since college when our Furman Wesley Fellowship had fall retreats there. I find deep peace and comfort, walking the trail around the lake, strolling through the rose garden, swimming in the (cold!) pool, and attending worship in the stone chapel. I’ve even participated in an outdoor yoga class at the lake.
Jesus went on a spiritual retreat with Peter, James and John. He took them up on a high mountain, away from the crowds who were constantly needing something from Jesus – a miracle healing, food and drink, compassion and comfort. Jesus was likely worn out, and that’s the best time to go on a spiritual retreat. When you are empty, there’s room for God to fill you with good things – peace, joy, love. On the mountain, Jesus was transfigured or transformed. Everything was dazzling white, and then Elijah and Moses appeared.
This was no ordinary spiritual retreat. Jesus was talking with mighty ancestors in the faith, and then God was talking, too. He proclaimed, “This is my Son, the Beloved, listen to him.” Of course, Peter wanted to stay on the mountain, where everything was safe and glorious. Eventually, you must return home from a trip to the mountains. You can’t stay on a “spiritual high” forever. You must get back to the mundane, the routine, the obligations at home and work. Jesus comes down from the mountain, and heads to Jerusalem. He leaves a place of glory and peace, to go to a place of suffering and death.
The cross is looming. Being a Christian has its mountain top moments and its valleys, too. It’s not all shiny and bright, like it was on the mountain. Sometimes we prefer to stay on the mountain, where we feel peace, joy and love. But if we follow Jesus, we must be willing to face places of suffering and death. We may experience sorrow and pain, as Jesus called us to take up a cross and follow him. Just remember the words of God, who reminds us “.... listen to him.”
Whether you are on the mountain or in the valley, listen to Jesus. He will speak words to direct you, challenge you, comfort you, and lead you in the mountains and valleys of faith.
~Reverend Cathy Jamieson~
