71- The Art of Mountain Climbing

 Matthew was very amazed at the site of people climbing the Alps Mountains. They tied themselves to each other for support. Some people reached high peaks on the mountains.

 Matthew's father discouraged him from doing any climbing saying, “We came to tour Switzerland and look forward to going back home safely.”

 Matthew asked, “But why don't we enjoy this great sport?”

 His father replied, “Because we don't have any climbing experience.”

 “I won't leave Switzerland without enjoying this, so I'll ask some of my Swiss friends about it!” Matthew exclaimed.

 “Please, my son, it's a dangerous sport”, his father pleaded.

 Matthew met some of his friends and inquired about the sport.

 They said, “You’ve two hands and two legs. In other words you have four limbs. Make sure three of those are always solid on the rock. This is the major safety rule in mountain climbing. However, the second rule is, never climb mountains alone, but tie your waist with a rope connecting others. This is so that if you slip, the others will support you.”

 This piece of advice applies to spiritual climbing also. The soul will climb to the top of mount Tabor where it can envision Christ in His glory. The soul would also comprehend the sacraments of the church extending through the Old and New Testaments. Then it can enter into a dialogue with Moses, Elijah, Peter, James and John.

 First, the soul has to fix its hands and legs to Christ, the eternal rock. It moves serenely guided by the Holy Spirit. It endures through spiritual exercises for a while then ascends peacefully while adhering to its support and guide: Jesus, our Lord.

 Second, in our spiritual advancement, we do not rely on our own isolated thoughts. On the contrary, we act with our brethren in the context of a congregational spirit where if one falls, the others support him.

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: فن تسلق الجبال.

God, grant me to rise with You on Tabor's Mount.

Hold on to me and guide me to envision Your glory.

I have no one to elevate me except You, the Heavenly One.

Let Your Holy Spirit hold me with Your saints,

So that I enjoy Your bright glory.

There, I would say loudly,

“It is great, O God, to be here.”

Rest Peacefully

Short Stories (Stories for the Youth) Books by Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty

Painting My Lord’s Facial Features