Up the Rough Side of the Mountain

by Talitha Arnold | published on Feb 15, 2026

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he transfigured before them, and his face shown like the sun and his clothes became dazzling white. – Matthew 17:1-2 (NRSV) 

With Jesus’s transfiguration, I’m often tempted to focus on the glory that awaited the disciples at the mountain top: Jesus’s face glowing like the sun, his dazzling clothes. I’m equally tempted by what happened next: Peter wanting to stay in his peak experience until a heavenly voice proclaims, “This is my Beloved, listen to him.” In a word, get down off the mountain and get on with your ministry.  

This Transfiguration Sunday, it’s the disciples’ journey up and down the mountain that caught my attention. Perhaps like the disciples’ hike, perhaps like your own physical or metaphorical hiking, my own treks up mountains and down canyons have taught me some lessons about life and faith: 

  1. Whether it’s a hike up a mountain or the journey of life, take the “right stuff” (be it sturdy boots, good backpack, food and water—or determined hope, deeply rooted trust, courage, and a willingness to be led).
  2. To have room for that “right stuff,” leave behind what’s not needed (e.g. that copy of War and Peace I’ve always meant to read, or old doubts and fears).
  3. As with Peter, James, and John, it’s good to walk with others. Sometimes we need their help with our loads. Sometimes they need us to shoulder theirs.

Finally, as those three disciples learned time and again—whether they were climbing up the rough side of a mountain or slogging through valleys of despair—there was One who walked with them every step of the way.  

There is for us, too. 

Prayer
God of the next step, thank you for giving us the strength and courage to take it. Amen.

Talitha ArnoldAbout the Author
Talitha Arnold is Senior Minister of the United Church of Santa Fe (UCC), Santa Fe, New Mexico. She is the author of Mark Parts 1 and 2 of the Listen Up! Bible Study series and Worship for Vital Congregations.