So… Jesus took Peter, James and John to a mountain top to share in a glorious and somewhat intimate moment in which the infinite glory of Heaven broke through the finite reality of this world.  Jesus becomes dazzling white and his face shines like the sun. Out of nowhere Moses and “Lord, it is good that we are here” and offers to build three tents for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. 

The Apostles then heard an unfamiliar voice: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”  This caught them by surprise and they were frightened.  Jesus comforted them with words they had heard before “…do not be afraid.”     For Peter, James and John, this was the mountain top experience that affirmed their closeness to Jesus, and prepared them for what was to come.

When someone has a powerful religious experience, it is sometimes referred to as a mountain top experience in which God touches us and it seems that we are in heaven.  These moments fill us with renewed faith and fervor, and with joy and hope.  They mostly occur when least expected.  It could be at Mass while we struggle to be attentive, a Baptism or Wedding, or during the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Anointing of the Sick, a retreat or day of recollection, walking the Labyrinth or walking along the beach…  It’s not necessary to climb a mountain!  All one has to do is be attentive so that we don’t miss the time and place when God wants to enter more deeply into our lives.

Lord God, help us to be aware and open to your presence when we least expect you to surprise us with the gift of your Love, Hope, Peace and Joy that is everlasting.