Anglican Cursillo Tasmania

The Mountains We Climb: A Cursillo Devotion

De Colores!

 

Throughout Scripture, mountains are places where God meets His people—places of challenge, revelation, and transformation. As we journey in our Fourth Day, walking out our Cursillo experience, we too encounter mountains that shape our discipleship.

 

• Mount Ararat – New Beginnings

After the flood, Noah's ark rested on Mount Ararat (Genesis 8:4). It was a place of fresh start after chaos. Our Cursillo weekend was an Ararat moment—a new beginning in Christ. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17). Each day in our Fourth Day is another opportunity to step out onto new ground, trusting God's promises.

 

• Mount Moriah – Testing and Trust

On Mount Moriah, Abraham's faith was tested (Genesis 22:2). Our Fourth Day brings its own trials—moments when following Christ feels costly or difficult. Yet Jesus reminds us: "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). These Moriah moments don't defeat us—they develop us, deepening our trust in God's faithfulness.

 

• Mount Sinai – Learning and Wisdom

Moses received God's law on Mount Sinai (Exodus 31:18)—a place of revelation and learning. Our Cursillo weekend taught us much, but the Fourth Day is where we continue learning from our greatest teacher. "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me," Jesus invites us, "for I am gentle and humble in heart" (Matthew 11:29). Through Group Reunion, Ultreya, and daily piety, study, and action, we grow in grace and knowledge.

 

• Mount Carmel – Courage and Conviction

Elijah stood alone on Mount Carmel, calling God's people back to faithfulness (1 Kings 18:21). In our workplaces, families, and communities, we too must sometimes stand firm for what is right. "Be strong and courageous," God promises. "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). Our Cursillo community surrounds us, but ultimately it is God's presence that gives us courage.

 

• Mount of Transfiguration – Transformation

On this mountain, Jesus was transfigured before His disciples (Matthew 17:2). Our Cursillo weekend gave us a glimpse of Christ's glory—a mountaintop experience. But true transformation happens in the valley of the Fourth Day, as we "are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18). Make a friend, be a friend, bring a friend to Christ—and watch God's transforming work continue.

 

• Mount Calvary – Sacrificial Love

At Calvary, Jesus gave everything (John 19:17-18). Our Fourth Day calls us to this same spirit of sacrificial love—serving in our environments, living out our baptismal covenant, loving as Christ loved. "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends" (John 15:13). This is the heart of Christian action—love made visible.

 

• Mount Zion – Joy and Celebration

The Bible ends with Mount Zion, symbol of God's eternal city (Hebrews 12:22). While we press toward this ultimate goal, we also celebrate the mini-Zions along our Fourth Day journey—answered prayers, spiritual growth, new brothers and sisters in Christ.

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).

 

Dear Cursillistas, our Fourth Day isn't one mountain—it's a whole range. Each peak and valley has its purpose. But we don't climb alone. Through Group Reunion, we share the journey. Through Ultreya, we celebrate together. Through our commitment to piety, study, and action, we keep climbing.

Jesus walks with us on every mountain: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me" (Matthew 16:24).

Remember:

 

Every mountain has a lesson

Every climb has a purpose

Every summit reminds us that God has been faithful

Jesus is our guide who will never leave us

 

"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith" (Hebrews 12:1-2).

May you continue climbing faithfully in your Fourth Day, surrounded by your community and strengthened by Christ.

Ultreya!

Amen