Journey of the Heart / Jennifer Burger

Eucharist provides a powerful ‘summit’ experience in our lives of faith

The mountains have always called me. For as long as I can remember, every summer we would vacation at a dude ranch in Estes Park, Colo.

My fondest memories of these trips were the hikes with my dad up Twin Sisters Peak. These hikes were special times with my dad and ones that also offered “refuge” for me as a young girl living an atypical childhood. On the trail, I could “be normal,” grounded, and have some sense of direction.

But it was upon reaching the top that I felt most welcome and “free.” I could see the possibilities beyond my existence and dare to dream. I don’t know how many times we reached the summit of Twin Sisters, but each time I felt more connected to this mountain, and it eventually became a part of me.

As an adult, my longings, not yet named, kept bringing me back to these memories and I couldn’t wait to return with my own family to this place of deep connection for me.

I have indeed returned to Estes Park and this mountain several times with my own family, and the most recent trip was earlier this month. I always feel a spark of emotion when I see Twin Sisters in the distance and the longing is rekindled. So, when the day finally arrived for our planned hike, I was eager with anticipation.

The hike itself was physically demanding for me, and I was keenly aware of my weaknesses. But at no time was there any thought about not making it to the top.

As the rocky summit came into sight, my energy was renewed. We made our way up the large boulders to the summit where we could sit and enjoy our packed lunches. The view was spectacular! There was not a cloud in the sky, and you could see forever—the surrounding peaks and ranges far to the west and north, and the distant plains to the east and south. Sharing this with my family made it extra special.

As in previous visits to the summit, I was overcome with emotion. Although it came as a bit of a surprise to me that this mountain would still elicit such a response, I welcomed it. It felt like coming home to myself, and I savored the moment. It felt so sacred.

As I descended the mountain, I reflected on the overall “summit experience”—not just of that day, but the sum total of all such experiences, and my relationship to this mountain.

These thoughts have lingered with me since. It is the personal connection that has made that experience so “sacred” and that elicits such an emotional response for me. There is only one other place where I experience the same feeling, and that is in the Eucharist—the ultimate “summit experience!”

For me, the experience is enriched by a personal relationship with Christ that is conscious and growing. It is walking with him, setting foot on the trail that encompasses all that I am—my past, my weaknesses, my hopes and my dreams—and directing my will toward him as best I can. He offers refuge and gives me rest along the way. At the summit, I am welcome. I find my home in him and he in me.

The Eucharist is more than a mountaintop experience of brief euphoria; it is eternal. With unparalleled views and access to the kingdom of God on Earth and in heaven, we share and celebrate our nourishment—the banquet—with those who make the way with us.

The Eucharist calls each of us. Let us make the ascent and savor the summit experience together and give thanks for this most precious and eternal gift!
 

(Jennifer Burger is program manager at Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House in Indianapolis and a member of St. Simon the Apostle Parish in Indianapolis. She is also a spiritual director.) †