The Summit

On average, it takes about two months to climb Mount Everest. Climbers trek from camp to camp, letting their bodies adjust to the altitude. They battle various elements along the way — the terrain, the cold, the wind, and the snow. It’s a gruesome journey. But, if they’re able to persevere, they reach the top. We can only imagine the feeling of completing such an endeavor. The relief, the satisfaction, the joy. 

Now, consider this — if you could take a helicopter ride to the top of Mount Everest, would the feeling be the same?

You’d witness awe-inspiring views for sure, but once again, would it be the same?

Our faith considers the Eucharist "the source and summit of the Christian life."

We reach that summit every week, but how do we feel? Do we feel like it’s the end of a long journey, or like we’ve popped in a camp for a moment before moving on?  

The Mass is not just a helicopter ride to encounter God. It’s the summit, the pinnacle, the peak. And, there’s a path leading to it, but it’s a path that’s walked, not glossed over. 

Each and every day, we must prepare for the ascent to come on Sunday. We must give ourselves to prayer, to fasting, to sacrifice. We must let our souls adjust to the altitude. It is only then that we can even begin to truly ascend the mountain and appreciate the views from the heavenly summit.