What type of a mountain are you on? - Daily Reflections October 12,2014

ON THIS MOUNTAIN!

 

Mystic mountains are a common object of belief and awe for many. In the Bible, we have Mt. Sinai where the encounter between God and Moses took place. Even local folks around Banahaw think their mountain is sacred.

         Mountains have to do with physical heights, first of all. Since in the Bible, God dwelt in the heavens, the closest place to God would be the mountain, figuratively speaking. Isaiah talks of this mountain in relation to a feast of “rich food and new wines,” an image of the joys with God in heaven.

         But there seems to be a clash of images in the first two readings today. St. Paul talks about the lows — living in humble circumstances, going hungry, being in need — which are the exact opposite of living in abundance. Called to be an Apostle, he knew firsthand how to also live in want and “to do all things in him who strengthens [him].”

          All of us want to go up higher in every conceivable way. We all want to be promoted and rise higher in respectability. Some of us get catapulted to heights of authority and power, whether deserving or otherwise.

         But while we all are worthy of fixing our gaze up on the mountain from where shall come our help, while we all are called to one day be part of those who would partake of the rich food and new wines in our heavenly abode, we are all called, too, to fathom the depths of selflessness and humility.

         We had a great example of this early last year in the person of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. He surprised us when he announced he would renounce the office, “for the good of the Church.” No matter what secular biased media said then, I agree with Scott Hahn who wrote: “It seems to me this might be, for him, the most humble and obedient act of service that he can render in his own conscience.” Though in an august position of power for eight years, which he did faithfully and well, he came down and showed what being a real servant is all about. Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: What type of a mountain are you on?

 

Teach me to be more humble, Lord, so that I might reach You.