Mountaintop Deliberations

Mountaintop Deliberations

1. Reflective Priests

מִי-יַעֲלֶה בְהַר-יְהוָה;    וּמִי-יָקוּם, בִּמְקוֹם קָדְשׁוֹ

Who shall ascend into the mountain of H’? and who shall stand in that holy place?
Only one who has clean hands, a pure heart, and has not taken the Name in vain.
(Psalm 24)

Hands now soft and gentle, his kind fingers turn the pages of sacred texts. But the stains remain. May he ascend that Mountain?

Voice now crisp and clear, her mellow tongue chants endless solemn hymns. But the slurs persist. May she stand in that Place?

Deeds now generous and loyal, our good names are praised throughout the land. But old wounds fester. May we go up?

2. Impulsive Prophets

Go up to the high mountain; raise your voice, be not afraid; Proclaim:’Behold your God!’
(from: Isaiah 40)

Commanded by an inner voice, his untutored mind still struggles for words. His doubts are strong. He must ascend that Mountain!

Passionate messenger of truth, her pagan loves live on. Her motives are unclear. She must stand in that Place!

Passing through a hall of many idols, our hammer-hands are still unsure. Our zeal is great. We must go up!

@2012 Jonathan Omer-Man

6 thoughts on “Mountaintop Deliberations”

  2. You used to say that feelings of excessive unworthiness or inauthenticity are themselves obstacles. I need to hear that. Thanks again.

  3. Any efforts to climb the mountain must be in the context of our imperfections.

    לא עליך המלאכה לגמור ואין אתה בן חורין להיבטל ממנה

  5. I’m struck that the title of this piece suggests the deliberations are taking place on the mountaintop but it is clear the questions and imperatives are taking place in the depths – or at least somewhere below the summit. Reflection and impulsive commitment are two possible ways of relating to the lofty heights. Perhaps we have an impossibly long way to go and maybe we are already there, standing with our reflections and passionate desire.

  6. The original title, that didn’t work for obvious reasons, was “SubSummit Considerations.”

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