Climbing the Mountain

On the Feast of the Assumption of Mary I heard an analogy for the faith life that I really liked. Father spoke of Mary as one who reached the pinnacle of the mountain of faith. Throughout her life she kept ascending, continually climbing higher and higher. At the end of her time on earth she had reached such heights that God assumed her up into heaven, body and soul. No other person has made it as far as Mary has, so God set her as the mark, the goal for the rest of us to shoot for but will never be able to reach.

In life there are many paths that people take.

• Some barely leave the foothills of the mountain of faith because they have not been taught or shown the path they should take. 
• Many wander around looking for another mountain to climb. They climb to the heights of this hill only to find that the satisfaction they hoped to find at the top is actually not there. 
• Some climb a ways only to start going sideways, being content with where they are at in the climb.
• I've known many who climbed at almost a sprint, only to get worn out, or possibly after having lost sight of the peak they were seeking, they stop the climb and even turn back.

And some, hopefully with myself included, climb as best they can. Each step might be tough but Jesus graces us with reminders of the goal of the climb. And thankfully, there at the top is Mary, who has already made the climb and is ever so eager to help us with the ascent.

Verso l'alto!

Peace all