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And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. —Matthew 14:23
Mountains have often been places of pilgrimage where people go in search of God. Perhaps that’s because atop a mountain, we feel closer to the heavens. After times of preaching and healing and being with people in need, Jesus backed off from the crowds and headed to the mountains to pray and restore himself. When stress is a significant part of our lives, we each need a “mountain” where we can be nourished and restored; we need a place to which we can withdraw. Perhaps we could schedule such times and then keep those appointments, just as we would any other important appointment we have. We may just find that Jesus has already climbed that mountain and is waiting with open arms to greet us.
“Jesus, teach me that it is just as important for me to periodically withdraw from my life or my work as it was for you. I need to take time to move away from all the activities and stresses that are part of my everyday responsibilities in this world. Not only will I be able to handle them better when I’ve had some respite, but I will also find myself rejuvenated and nourished from my closeness with you.”
No matter what is going on in my life, trials, difficulties, stresses, persecutions, problems, etc., I have found a place of “moving away”, actually, a few beautiful places. To spend time with Jesus, in the Blessed Sacrament. He is so present, and as I come and offer my life to Him, and my concerns, He is always faithful and makes Himself known, as He gives me His Peace, and Rest. In His Word, I desire to absorb the Son as a “Sontan” for my soul, and be changed. In prayer, no matter where I am, the Rosary, knowing that our Blessed Mother is constantly interceding for me, is comforting for my heart, and the Lord gives me strength to continue.
The Lord called me to a “Curcillo de Cristiandad”, and years later, to an ACTS Retreat, there is where my walk with the Lord began, a time set aside to come to Jesus and withdraw from all activities and everyday activities, my life has not been the same.