“That’s my mountain! That’s my mountain!”The words clamored loudly in my head, while outwardly I remained silent.
When still living in Guatemala, I had dreamt vividly of a desert mountain. In the dream, I was rearranging furniture so as to better view the mountain and thereby draw closer to God. The dream impacted me so profoundly that I described it in a letter to a friend.
A few years later, I was participating in my first Catholic retreat. While seated at a table in a dimly lit room, I naturally directed my gaze toward the most obvious source of light, a square window high on the wall, which perfectly framed the rocky peak of a desert mountain. Soon, a priest began his reflection, “Ever since Vatican II the Church has been rearranging furniture in hopes of drawing closer to God.”
The words shot into my consciousness like a sharp arrow, awakening the clamoring response, “That’s my mountain! That’s my mountain!”
Any lingering doubts that I was exactly where I was supposed to be vanished. God continued speaking to me in undeniably personal ways for the remainder of the weekend.
Since then, I’ve served at numerous retreats and special events at Mt. Claret, each time renewed in faith, hope, and love. During the pandemic, too, I returned, knowing I’d be infused with faith and hope in the midst of darkness and uncertainty.
Now, as I write from Mt. Claret, a profound peace accompanies an aching longing to give and receive more love. I lift my eyes toward the mountain and as I do, gratitude and thanksgiving flood my entire being.
Of course no particular place, despite the memories it holds, is necessary for us to draw near to God. Still, I’m grateful for Mt. Claret which provides for countless seekers a sacred place of prayer and spiritual renewal.
“I raise my eyes toward the mountains. From whence shall come my help? My help comes from the LORD,
the maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121: 1&2)
Soon we’ll leave the desert, and head for humid Houston which is entirely devoid of mountains. We go with certainty that the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth, abides in us. May we collaborate with Him in our home, consecrating it with our prayers and work our play and leisure, our joys and sorrows, and the sacred sharing of food and drink. May all who come there receive His peace along with an aching longing that only He can satisfy.
Inundated with Love 