You may have had the experience of climbing a mountain. Two things are helpful if you are to be a mountain climber. The first has to do with determination. Before you set off you have to make up your mind that, come what may, you are going to persevere until you reach the top. Having a strong determination means that when you meet obstacles and difficulties you will be able to make the necessary sacrifices to overcome them.
The second thing that is helpful when you are climbing a mountain is the knowledge that a whole new vista opens up to you at the summit. At the top of a mountain you experience a great sense of achievement and fulfilment. But you also see the world below in an entirely new way. Your view of the world is unimpeded, a full 360 degrees. Indeed, on the mountaintop not only do you experience the world differently, you also experience yourself differently. You feel good about yourself and who you are.
The season of Lent reminds us that the Christian life is a lot like climbing a mountain. To live as a follower of Jesus we need a strong determination and a willingness to make sacrifices. Living the Christian life can be quite demanding. It challenges our tendency to indulge ourselves and it invites us to respond to others in a loving way. Without a discipline of perseverance and generosity it is difficult to stay faithful to the way of Jesus.
Of course, like the journey up a mountain, the Christian journey also has a happy ending. It leads to what we call resurrection. At the end of our Christian pilgrimage in this world a whole new other world will be opened up to us. We will see in a way we have never seen before. We will see God face to face. We will see ourselves reflected in God and we will also see other people reflected in God. Indeed, we will find ourselves saying the same thing as Peter when he was enveloped by the presence of God on Mount Tabor: “Lord, it is wonderful for us to be here. Let this be our home forever” (see Matthew 17:4).
What often helps mountain climbers persevere is an eye on the summit. If they keep looking up to the mountaintop, the goal of their efforts, they are more likely to succeed in their climb. Likewise, it is important for us as we struggle to remain faithful to the Gospel not to lose sight of the destination of our journey; heaven and a share in the risen life of Jesus.