«How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, of the messenger of good news who announces salvation, who tells Zion:”Your God reigns!”». Why does Isaiah speak of feet on the mountains, and not of valleys or plains? The sentinel must climb up to widen the radius of his gaze. From the top of a mountain his eye can go farther and embrace a wider horizon. Even for the messenger getting on a mountain has the same importance: from the top you can enjoy a more extended view of the places in which to carry your announcement. Moreover, if a large fire is lit on a mountain, many will be able to see it, even from a distance. Climbing to the summit widens your gaze, extends the horizon, as much as you are a sentinel who must see a sign, as if you are a messenger who must bring joyful news. The image of the mountain, therefore, reminds us of the universality of the mystery we celebrate today. John writes that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us”. In the midst of all of us, he reveals to everyone the face of the Father, which no one has ever seen, but which he now tells us. Isaiah always remembers him: “The Lord has bared his holy arm before all nations; all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God».

Commentary by Comunità di Dumenza

Translation by f. Mark Hargreaves, Prinknash Abbey