When my girls were younger, they would often play “Coke or Pepsi”, a game that involved asking a series of either/or questions. Coffee or tea? Books or movies? Another of their frequently used questions was “beach or mountains?” to which my reply was always “mountains.” There is something about the mountain environment that fosters focus, clarity and a sense of the sacred.

I imagine this is why Jesus led Peter, James and John to a high mountain in today’s Gospel. I wonder what the disciples expected as they made the trek to the summit. Surely, we know they were awestruck by what they saw upon the Transfiguration of Jesus: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light, Moses and Elijah appeared, and then a voice called out from the clouds. Talk about a peak experience!

The experience was so intense that the disciples fell to the ground in awe. But Jesus reassured his disciples, telling them “do not be afraid.”

If you’ve ever climbed a mountain, you probably know that getting down is sometimes harder than the climb to the top. In fact, experienced mountaineers claim that the descent is often more deadly than the climb. For novice climbers, coming down can be frightening.

How do we respond when we come down from the mountain, after we have encountered Jesus “white as light?” Upon seeing Jesus transfigured, would we allow ourselves to be transformed? Do we allow our mountain experiences to impact our lives, our beliefs, and our actions? Or do we let fear rule us?

Reflecting upon today’s Gospel (which echoes high mountain experiences from Deuteronomy and Exodus) I was reminded of Martin Luther King’s “I have been to the Mountaintop” speech. This was Rev. Dr. King’s last speech, which he delivered in Memphis on the eve of his assassination. A close reading of the text reveals the prophetic nature of his comments.

“Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead,” Dr. King said, “but it really doesn't matter with me now, because I've been to the mountaintop.”

He was very aware of the threats on his life, and the potential dangers ahead. But he was resolute. “I just want to do God's will,” he said. Clearly the Reverend Doctor was transformed by having been to the mountaintop.

When we go to the mountaintop we are empowered to come back down with greater clarity, greater courage, and greater commitment to live in response to today’s Gospel message: “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”