To the Mountain
The eleven reflective disciples in this week’s Gospel, Matthew 28:16-20, were directed to meet Jesus in Galilee on the mountain top ‘…to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them’. This directive to ascend the mountain must have stirred memories within Peter, James, and John. These three disciples had previously accompanied Jesus to another mountain top, where they experienced the awe-inspiring moment of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8).
The memory of that transcendent moment would have provided them with strength and hope, reminding them of Jesus’ divine authority and the assurance of His promises.
In our own life journey, we too are called by Jesus to meet Him on mountain tops, at times when we are confused and downcast, not knowing what the future may bring. We retreat to personal prayer, retreats and pilgrimages. Like the disciples, we carry with us memories of past transcendent experiences that shape and sustain our faith.
They give us the courage to continue our journey, especially when faced with challenges and uncertainties. Just as the Transfiguration affirmed Jesus' divine nature to the disciples, our own spiritual experiences remind us of God’s presence and faithfulness. They become touchstones of our faith, grounding us in the reality of God’s love and guiding us forward in our mission.
Theologians have compared the two mountain top experiences. Some note that the Transfiguration anticipates Jesus' future glory while the Great Commissioning communicates that this glory will come about through our mission to change the world, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Our life has a purpose, a great mission given by Christ Himself. This mission is to participate in the unfolding of God's kingdom on earth, bringing the light of the Gospel to all people. It is through our faithful engagement in this mission that Jesus' future glory will be fully realized.
Our faith assures us that we are not alone in this mission. Jesus' promise in the Great Commissioning, ‘I am with you always, to the end of the age,’ is a source of continual comfort and strength. It reminds us that Christ’s presence accompanies us in every step of our journey, empowering us to carry out His work of bringining about the Kingdom of God on earth.
In our moments of journeying back to Galilee, we arrive at a mountaintop where Jesus redefines our life’s purpose. It is not about worldly success but about embracing a mission that transcends our limited perspective and envisions a grander purpose of transforming the world. Our previous, narrow view of our career expands into something far greater than we could have ever imagined.
NOTICE BOARD
It is in this light that I have reimagined my ministry to something far more expansive by embracing a blended ministry of in-person and online. I continue my parish work but complement it with my online pastoral service at the link below. I also encourage those who can, to visit me at our prayer centre, a converted part of our home, for a cup of tea or a prayer session. Please message me to make an appointment.