Today Abraham in the First Reading and the disciples in the Gospel have mountaintop experiences. I have talked about me dealing with my illness by imagining that I am on the top of the mountain and not fretting about what is next, but rather remaining in the moment. That mountaintop is about to change. I am going to be climbing to another peak later this week once I hear the results of all my tests.

I did a bit of Ignatian contemplation today and imagined how both Abraham and the disciples felt. I suppose my experience at the moment is more like Abraham’s–one of facing an incredibly difficult decision. The disciples had less knowledge about the outcome of their decision to return down the mountain with Christ. Abraham knew fully what taking the life of his son would mean. In both cases, the choice was to remain faithful to what God was asking without fully knowing what would come next.

I just hung up the telephone with a long-time friend in Minnesota who affirmed me in how I have chosen to do this journey. We met 30 years ago and she has been a shining example of Christ for me. I hold this recent conversation as a gentle balm for this week–I will be given the grace to stay on the path. All is for God’s glory.

In the contemplation with Jesus at the transfiguration, I felt my reluctance to head back down the mountain. I wanted to stay with Him but I did rise and agree to go. Abraham had an Angel of the Lord call to him from Heaven to instruct him what to do. The disciples are told by God to listen to Jesus. In the Second Reading today, is a hint for the journey: Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. I read this reading from Romans at my sister’s funeral 23 years ago. It brought peace then. God is for us. Christ intercedes for us. As I have said, I am in good hands because I am in God’s hands.

Peace,

Suzanne