[Propertalk] On a mountain

[Joe Parrish]

I was, of all places, up on a mountain for a retreat. Ministers from all over had converged at Blue Mountain Retreat for some brief days away from their congregations. I had arrived late and was just there for an afternoon. So I sat in the back and listen to a fellow minister describe the stressors in Jesus' life and the pressures of our ministries--getting the bulletin done each week, going to meetings, writing sermons, making pastoral calls in the area, and listening to the groaners and moaners in our congregation talk about how wonderful their church was in the 1950's. 
Then he told of a young man who was in the last stages of AIDS and lived at least a hour away. He had tried to get up twice a week to see this man; said the distance was too far for most from his congregation to want to travel. And even if he lived closer to the church he doubted if that would make any difference. By now his family had practically disowned him. So on this Thursday, overwhelmed with work he debated whether he should go up and pay a quick visit. The argument lasted for several minutes before he decided to go. 

Dressed in the gown and gloves and mask the minister sat with the man. He had a frail body and blotches over his skin. But he could talk a little. The man grasped the minister's hand and then just shut his eyes and slept. Well, the minister sat there for ten minutes holding this guy's hand and beginning to sweat thinking about all of the demands on his time. But he decided to hold this guy's hand anyway. After awhile the man opened his eyes big as half dollars and said, "Rev'd, you're my best friend. Thanks for staying with me." 

Prayer Mountain
based on Luke 9:28-36, (37-43)
by Rev. Thomas Hall

http://desperatepreacher.com/sermonbuilder/feb04/4/homily.htm


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