Climb every mountain…

I have discovered that over the past several days, there have been a number of expeditions on Mount Everest in which explorers have passed by the “bodies” of other recent explorers who did not make it to the summit. A major problem that quickly arises is this: why did some recent passers-by not stop the check those who seemed dead? In fact, one of those passed by was not dead at all but very much in distress. He was left behind by his own group of “brave” explorers. Our Blessed Lord reminds us in his farewell discourse that there is no greater love than to give one’s life for one’s friends. I believe that Sir Edmund Hillary was of the school that reaching the summit was far less significant and noble than saving someone along the way. I wonder what has happened to his wisdom?    RJA sj