Mountain That's Never Been Seen

Did you know that the world’s second highest mountain has never been seen by human eyes? A few feet lower than Mount Everest, it’s twice as tall as the highest mountain in the continental United States. Discovered in 1953 by oceanographers sonar-mapping the Pacific ocean floor, the pinnacle of this 28,500-foot mountain lies 1,200 feet below the ocean’s surface - rising from the ocean bottom in the Tonga Trench between New Zealand and Samoa.

Many of the earth’s greatest wonders lie hidden and unrecognized. Likewise, many awesome wonders of the human soul lie submerged, unrecognized and for the most part, tragically unused and unappreciated, such as the stupendous capacity of human love. Exceptions include the great saints whose mystical experiences have lofted them to the dizzy heights of love-union with God while immersed in the ocean of his tenderness. They feebly strive – and fail – to articulate the experience of these ineffable encounters, amazed that they even survived them.

For such love experts, Scripture scintillates with meaning: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness” (Jer 21:3). God’s love: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him (1 Cor 2:9); “Neither height nor depth…. Will be able to separate us from the love of God” (Rom 8:39). God’s love is lovely. Immerse yourself!

This excerpt is from the book One-Minute Meditations for Busy People, by John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/video recordings can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408 or www.Catholicbooks.net