The following homily was given at Philmont Scout Ranch at the Vigil of Pentecost on the evening prior to the first crews returning to the backcountry after the Ute Park Fire last summer.
In our readings today, we hear about going to meet God on a mountain. Moses gathers with the people of Israel on “The Mountain of God.” It seems that, in the Bible, if you want to meet God, you go to a mountain. I suppose it’s the same for us here at Philmont.
While meeting God may not be exactly what every person is looking for in the mountains of Philmont, there are two things that I think we can all relate to in coming to the mountains. First, we come here because climbing a mountain is a challenge. I’m from Kansas. Mount Sunflower is the highest peak and it doesn’t exactly look like a mountain. The mountains of Philmont are tough. Baldy is 12, 441 feet and not an easy climb. We like this kind of challenge. That’s one reason we climb a mountain.
Another reason that we climb mountains is for the view. From on top of a mountain you can see so much more. If you want to see better, climb higher. The view from Baldy is incredible. Watching the sunrise from the Tooth of Time is something you never forget.
There’s a good reason that we describe life’s highlights as being “mountaintop experiences.” The greatest challenges often give us the greatest sense of accomplishment and a true view of how far we’ve come. On this feast of Pentecost, Jesus sent the apostles out. Tomorrow, you scouts will return to the backcountry for the first time in almost two years. A fire has done some damage. But, like the Spirit, you will be sent out and you will renew the face of Philmont. I hope you find God out there on the mountain.