Climbing the Mountain

This past Friday, around 4:00 p.m., my daughter texted me to ask if I’d be interested in attending a choral and orchestral concert at Valparaiso University that evening.  Though it was a lovely opportunity, my gut reaction was far from a resounding “yes!”

Mentally, I had already embraced a quiet evening curled up under a blanket with tea and a movie. Saying yes would require getting appropriately attired, bundling up and braving the biting wind, not to mention staying out past 8:00 pm.

My mind and body were giving hard “no” vibes, but my heart was touched that she would ask and recognized something sacred in the invitation. Lord have mercy, I whispered, pausing to listen for discernment. In the quiet, I felt a gentle nudge and just enough strength to overcome my resistance. Sure! I texted back and headed upstairs to trade in my sweatpants for some khakis and a sweater.

Was it worth it? Well, of course it was. The beauty was breathtaking and medicinal! Deep down I knew it would be, but as with so many other sacred invitations, not caving to my penchant for inaction was a struggle.

My days are filled with such struggles: cleaning up my messes, exercising, creating, staying on task, and getting out of my own head to tend to the needs of others…

 As I write this, it is the first week of Great Lent. The sacred invitations for spiritual renewal are both plentiful and sometimes uncomfortable. The temptations to reject or avoid these opportunities to quell my sinful impulses are fierce and ever present.  

 In A Journey through Great Lent, Fr. Stephen Belonick of blessed memory reflected on the many references to mountains throughout scripture:

In all of these cases, mountains express a theological principle – God reveals Himself and distributes divine gifts to those willing to rise above this world and seek a higher reality… Great Lent is such a mountain and requires effort. Rather than boots and spikes, our gear comprises prayer, fasting, scripture reading, quiet and a willing heart.  

Is it worth it? Climbing the mountain? Well, of course it is! It’s what our soul longs for! It is fullness. It is healing. It is joy and transcendence! And through practice, we build endurance as we go. With each “yes”, I shed the heaviness of my ego and expectations, making room for the peace and Light of Christ.

Honestly, I am very grateful for the Lenten season's structure, help, and guidance.  And I’m so thankful we are making the climb together.