Heavenly Ascent

A recent leap of faith brought me to a mountain.  

An opportunity arose to accompany my 2nd son on a Boy Scout hike to Yosemite National Park.  The hike up to Glacier Point is well-known for its direct ascension,via switchbacks, totaling 4.6 miles to the top.  (And another 4.6 miles back down of course).  This is where the leap of faith came in...Could I "make it" up the mountain? 
The challenge beckoned me upwards as the summit promises a glorious view beyond measure, a sweet reward for the challenging trek up, up, up, the mountain...  Not to mention the breath-taking scenery to soak in, all the way up and back down the trail. I leaped at the chance to make this heavenly ascent!

As providence would have it, the hike date landed just prior to Ascension Sunday.  As I set out on my own ascension, I thought about the many parallels between the spiritual life and climbing a mountain.  In our case the climb was literal...but most of the time we ALL partake in a little daily mountain climbing.

As a Catholic Christian, heaven is the goal of our daily climb.

As we set out to hike our own mountains, the work is hard and the burdens are heavy but we keep our compass pointed to heaven for the promise of Eternal glory.  This world is not our home but within it, there are signs of promise and beauty all around us.  It's as if God breathes his grace through the splendor of nature so that we may catch a glimpse of His great reward.

I saw 5 parallels to the spiritual life on this heavenly ascent but there could easily be more!

1.  As I prepared my pack the evening prior to the hike, my husband and son reminded me to bring the '10 essentials.' For Boy Scouts, this includes things like a compass, a map, food & water, First Aid, and appropriate clothing for inclement weather, etc., all designed to equip you for safety, nourishment, and the ability to adapt to unforeseen changes in conditions.

In the spiritual life, we also need certain essentials to survive.  I am constantly reminded that I need certain protections, to include a strong shield from evil.  Christians are taught that prayer stands as the best weapon against the devil.  There are many powerful tools of prayer that we have in our spiritual day packs, including the Bible and the Rosary, to equip us for spiritual safety.  Not to mention Our Blessed Mother, Mary.  She is the perfect compass, Eternally pointing us in the most perfect and direct way to the Son.

The Sacraments provide the perfect nourishment for our faith journey.  Most importantly, the Eucharistic Lord gives us the very body which He gave up for us on the cross, the very blood which He poured out for the forgiveness of sins.  What better nourishment than the body and blood of Christ Jesus to sustain us!

2.  Hesitant to go on the hike at all, I looked to my spouse and friends around me for support.  Unsure of my physical condition and ability to make the climb, I doubted myself. They all encouraged me and validated my aptness to make it just fine.

In the spiritual life, our needs are the same.  Trustworthy companions are essential to our faith journey.  A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter. (Sirach 6:14-16)

3. When we got to the base of the mountain, our trusty Scout guide was well-prepared and led us confidently to the trail head.  He took the lead by example.

In the spiritual life, our priests also lead us, shepherding their flock, often up steep and dusty trails of trial.  We are blessed by their constant personal sacrifice and guidance.

4.  As we headed up the mountain, we encountered many switch-backs.  Just as we gained momentum in our ascent, we encountered another, and yet another. The quick change of direction with the added elevation inevitably causes a moment of slight discouragement when you are constantly climbing.  But we pressed on, with the encouragement of our companions, all with the ultimate goal in mind.

In the spiritual life, we often encounter these same switch-backs in our daily lives.  Just when we are moving a long and things seem to be going well,  a sudden challenge or trial takes the wind out of our sails.  We may be temporarily discouraged and have to pause to catch our breath but we press on, firm in our faith that promises a hope beyond measure.

5.  As we neared the top of the mountain, I was encouraged by our team of Scouts.  We were all tired, hungry, and ready to just get there.  Through it all, everyone rallied around the team and cheered one another on to the summit.  Not only  was it another great reminder that we are not alone on our journey, it was also a chance to help others and serve needs beyond our own.  The opportunity for acts of charity were abundant on the ascent.
In the Spiritual Life we also gain strength from a community of believers as the body of Christ.  Just when we think we will never make it, there is refreshment in one another.  We are called to build one another up in faith, hope, and love.  Because stumbling is inevitable, the Sacrament of Reconciliation brings our souls to right order and back on the path to heaven.  Learning to know, love, and serve God begins with one another on the mountains that we climb each day.

We made it!
Isn't this a most magnificent view?

The view from the top was God's glory at it's finest and a heavenly ascension extraordinaire! Words can only scantily describe the awesome splendor...
Just as the Holy Spirit breathes life into our footsteps of faith, the wind on the mountain filled our spirit.   We basked in the grace that permeated the soul.  
(Just in time for Pentecost, this Sunday:)

Gazing out into the beautiful landscape, I gained strength for the journey home, both earthly and heavenly homes, that is. Climbing a mountain is always do-able, metaphorically speaking, one foot in front of the other.  Despite all odds in our daily lives, there is rest for the weary, hope for the hopeless, and the promise of heaven on the horizon.

We are encouraged to keep climbing our mountains...
Hope to meet you at the top!
"The difference in winning and losing is most often...Not quitting."~Walt Disney~