Up On The Mountain

About eight days after Jesus had foretold his death and resurrection, Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"--not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen. Luke 9:28-36

Up On the Mountain

The struggle to climb rewarded
a view distant and precious
thin clean air no filters here
alone to dream and pray.

We have come for a moment of rest
a reflection time to connect again
a place apart from the maddening need
a sanctuary made by God.

We are closer to the sun closer
always to our impending ends
what we could not hear on the dusty road
truth absorbed almost silently.

Stunned by the truth fear arises
like storm clouds in our hearts
we touch the sky and fear our falling
as God's light touches down to earth.

We are confused and frightened
our friend's  full deity revealed
his idle tales become our road map now
we descend to walk forever changed.

We have glimpsed the heaven open
heaven open to us fools and fishermen
heaven open to the weak and lowly
heaven beckons to the thief as well.

We are earth bound mortals promised
to become the spirits on high
made of dust and clay and stardust
we will touch the mountain tops again.