“And He went up on the mountain…” (Mark 3:13)

“And He went up on the mountain…” (Mark 3:13)

Mountains and mountain settings are often associated with significant biblical events, divine encounters, and revelations. Think of Moses and the burning bush and receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, Christ’s Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, Elisha’s contest on Mount Carmel, and his experiencing God in a “still, small voice” on Mount Herman, not to mention Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” and His miraculous feeding the five thousand. 

I think that mountains are popular sites in scripture because one must exert effort to ascend them, rising above that which is common and base to gain something special.

Fr. John