Reflection
Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
Matthew 17:1-9
Once again the symbol of the mountain serves as the place of nearness to the sacred. To climb the mountain is to free oneself of everyday life so as to come closer to God. From the mountain one can view of the beautiful expanse of creation and gain a deeper sense of its Creator. The transfiguration is a prayer event in which Jesus communes with God. He is transformed. Then he descends from the mountain and returns to the ordinary experiences of life.
Prayer
I lift up my eyes to the mountains.
Psalm 121:1
Action
Not everyone has access to mountains but we can all create spaces where we can be quiet and seek nearness to the sacred. Find a space like that for yourself.
Suggested Reading
Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John,
and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
And he was transfigured before them.
Matthew 17:1-9
Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again.
Joseph Campbell
A sacred landscape is not simply a backdrop for action, but rather a place filled with names, associations and memories that link together everything present there. Humans become linked to the rocks, trees, animals, rivers, mountains and these bonds guide future human interaction with that place.
Christopher Tilley
We make energy connections at sacred sites, like tuning in a radio, by concentrating your awareness, quieting your mind and tuning your entire being to the “energy broadcast” of the power point.
Martin Gray
If you have been in the vicinity of the sacred – ever brushed against the holy – you retain it more in your bones than in your head; and if you haven’t, no description of the experience will ever be satisfactory.
Daniel Tayor
This mountain has my heart. This land is our church.
Caleen Sisk
The ground on which we stand is sacred ground.
Plenty Coups