This Article first appeared in
AAC(UK) Newsletter 183
published Autumn 2009
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Mountaintop Experience
by Jacky Rix-Brown
We were staying at delightful Lago di Ladro above Italy’s Lake Garda, and decided to climb the highest mountain in the vicinity. It was a hot sunny day and when we left the shade of the woods and reached a pleasant pasture in the corrie below the summit Peter decided to rest in the sun whilst his “peak-bagger” wife continued to the top.
There were 2 paths up from here, so I decided to go up the more difficult way and come down the easy one. Further on I was a little daunted by a sign which I think said “Difficult - Only for the Experienced”, but I am, so I continued! It led to a lovely scramble up a ridge with splendid views – a bit like Striding Edge, only less well trodden. The route became difficult to identify, and I made a silent prayer for help. Looking at the options I recalled Jesus’s words “This is the way, walk in it”, and sure enough it was! As I went on I thought about the parallel with life, and how we often can’t tell the best way forward, but if we let God guide us, He does so, just one step at a time, and the whole journey gradually unfolds, leading to our goal. So it was as I picked my way carefully upwards.
The last few metres went up quite steeply with the top hidden from view. Suddenly I heard the most divine singing! It reminded me of the chanting of monks in a monastery, with different male voices in perfect harmony; whatever did it mean? Eventually the flat area of the summit came into view, and I could hardly believe my eyes….. On the highest point was a permanent stone altar, beside it a priest in full robes (with boots showing below), and in front a congregation of a dozen or so men and boys. They had walked up here to celebrate Mass.
I don’t know which of us was more surprised, but we all found it a moving experience. I joined in the prayers in my own way. Having blurted out in English that this was wonderful to praise God on the mountain, the priest included (in English) a prayer for our church in England. After their service we talked as best we could with language barriers and recorded it on cameras. I’d asked and gained permission to take the attached photo during the service.) Finally we went our separate ways – they down a route on the opposite side of the mountain, and I back to a puzzled Peter who had seen there was something going on at the summit but didn’t know what it was.
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Last updated: 01 October 2009