How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" (Isaiah 52:7)

A 2016 film called “Everest” re-captured the fascination and fear of our highest mountains. Based on the true story of a double expedition up the Himalayan slopes in 1996, the film chronicles the deaths of all but two when a fierce blizzard swirls in, thwarting their safe descent. Despite the wisdom and experience of the group’s leaders, they were no match for nature’s force and power.

In a sense, the film captures the true helplessness of humans in the face of forces far beyond our keep and ken.

The scripture for today does something very similar, as Jesus’ disciples follow him up the Mount of Oli…