FAITH THAT CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS

I am sure most of us have heard sermons about moving mountains with our faith (Mark 11. 22-23). Actually, not real ones but metaphorical mountains. But I would like to believe that Jesus actually meant moving real mountains.

Historians offer two possible mountains. The Temple Mount and Herod the Great's Herodium (see picture above). Herod was called the Great Master Builder and was responsible for the man-made harbor at Caesarea Maritima, for the fortress at Masada, the magnificent Temple Mount, and the Herodium (his palace and burial site). Herod, through forced labor and heavy taxation, literally moved mountains to build the last two monuments to his greatness.

Whether Jesus was talking about the Temple Mount or the Herodium, I would like to believe that he was challenging his listeners to have the faith that any man-made mountain that is built on exploitation, dehumanization, and oppression can be brought down. And thrown into the sea.

If we work together.

[image from https://www.timesofisrael.com/herods-mountain-hideaway/]