Come Let Us Climb the Lord’s Mountain

Most of us don’t live on mountains. We live lower down, where the land is flatter and living is easier. But hills and mountains are special places in our experience. It takes some effort to get up or down a hill and even more to get up towards the top of a mountain. Some mountains are easier to climb than others, but all offer a special something that leads us to them.

When we get up on the mountainside, the views that stretch out in front of us are amazing. From a simple meadow, we look down into valleys, across to broad fields or other mountains rising in the distance. The worries and concerns of the day can slip away as we see the broader world and its beauty. As we open to take it all in, we find refreshment and rest before we return to the day-to-day activities of our lives.

In ancient times, mountains were the site of encounters between God and humans. Moses was called up to the top of Mt. Horeb to receive the Law from the Lord. The prophet Elijah waited high up on the same mountain to meet the Lord, who came to him in a quiet whisper of voice. The temple itself was built on a mountain. It wasn’t the tallest mountain in the area, but it was certainly a point of focus within the city of Jerusalem because this was the place of the dwelling of the Most High, rebuilt after the exile in Babylon.

Isaiah describes this mountain, Zion, as the house of Jacob’s God. People from all over the world come to this mountain, seeking to learn how to walk in the Lord’s paths. There they will turn from war to peace, learning to “walk in the light of the Lord.”

The view from the Lord’s Mountain turns towards peace and acceptance of others, regardless of which nation is their homeland, because the Lord calls and guides all peoples. “Come let us climb the Lord’s mountain” – all are welcome and called. (Is 2:1-5)

Jesus too traveled to the mountain of the Lord, the temple in Jerusalem. He was known to pray by himself on mountains and hillsides as he traveled through the land. Yet he didn’t focus on the mountaintop experiences. His mission was to all who lived ordinary lives.

He made clear in his teaching that the kingdom of God begins here and now. It’s not something far away. Nevertheless, the day and time that the Son of Man will come is unknown. “Stay awake” he tells us. “Be prepared … at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” (Mt 24:37-44)

With the coming of Jesus, we have a change. No longer is God to be found mainly on mountaintop temples. God has become one of us, living in the everyday world with us. All will end one day, but in the meanwhile, look around. The Lord is here, present in each person we meet.

St. Paul reminded the people of Rome, “it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep.” Salvation is near and getting nearer every day. The risen Christ will come again. It might be very soon, but that is no reason to simply take it easy and sleep away the time until then. Be awake and actively living. Move away from rivalry, jealousy, and other negative actions. Turn always to the light and live as the Lord would. (Rom 13:11-14)

Climb the Lord’s mountain and find him also on the way, along the path, through the day-to-day activities. Sometimes, those daily patterns can be as challenging as climbing a mountain. Then remember to take time out, step onto the mountain for a bit, and see the bigger picture. Rest in the Lord’s presence for a while, before returning to the everyday challenges and joys.

Advent is here. We wait for the Lord’s coming. We celebrate the promise of the Lord’s coming. We rest in a bit of quiet as the world races around us, knowing that it is in the quiet times and places that we will find him newly born in our hearts.

Come, let us find the Lord together in this new year.

Readings for the First Sunday of Advent – Cycle A