In Celtic Christianity, there is a concept of “thin spaces”—places where the boundary between the earthly and the divine feels particularly close. In the Biblical stories, mountains often serve as “thin spaces”, where moments of transcendence lead to direct encounters with the sacred.

In the Old Testament, mountains are consistently portrayed as spaces where the divine presence breaks into the phenomenal world. Abraham’s profound test of faith occurs on Mount Moriah, where his willingness to sacrifice Isaac leads to an encounter with God’s fidelity (Genesis 22:1-14). Moses’ transformative moments with God also take place on mountains—first the mountain of the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-2), and later Mount Sinai, where he receives the law amidst thunder, lightning, and divine glory (Exodus 19).

Elijah, too, finds God not in the dramatic but in a gentle whisper on the same mountain (1 Kings 19:8-18). These stories highlight the mountain as a place where ordinary life is interrupted, and profound clarity and divine presence are experienced.

In the New Testament, Jesus exemplifies the importance of seeking out these thin spaces. He goes up a mountain to pray alone (Matthew 14:23; Luke 6:12), teaches his disciples on mountains (Matthew 5:1; Mark 3:13), and resists Satan’s temptations there (Matthew 4:8; Luke 4:5). The Transfiguration, one of the most striking mountain episodes, occurs when Jesus ascends with Peter, James, and John and is revealed in divine glory, speaking with Moses and Elijah (Luke 9:28-36). These moments are pivotal, as they illuminate the necessity of stepping away from the world to gain spiritual insight and strength.

The Transfiguration story reminds us of the rhythm between mountain-top experiences and the everyday challenges of life. After descending from the mountain, Jesus embarks on his journey to Jerusalem, encountering the complexities of human suffering and marginalised communities. This pattern mirrors our own lives, where moments of spiritual clarity must eventually translate into action and compassion in the thick of daily existence.

Taking time to “go up the mountain” and enter the rarified atmosphere above is essential. It is only there that we step away from the noise of daily life to seek clarity and gain perspective. These encounters are opportunities to pray, reflect, and encounter God. They help us to take stock of our priorities and discern the path ahead for the “thick spaces” where we live our lives rarely mindful of the divine reality that underpins all existence.

This Lent, we are called to embrace the mountain as a metaphor for renewal. Whether through prayer, retreat, or silent reflection, let us ascend to meet God in the thin spaces, allowing these moments to transform our hearts. May these experiences empower us to live with renewed purpose, carrying the grace of our divine encounters into every interaction and challenge.

The mountain is not an escape but a vantage point, reminding us of the deeper call to love, serve, and remain rooted in God amidst the complexities of the world.

Ian J Elmer

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