|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Runners in a Race
Aug
19
Written by:
Sunday, August 19, 2007
20th Sunday Ordinary Time
August 19, 2007
Brothers and sisters: Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us, and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus."
Hebrews 12:1-2
In today's second reading, Saint Paul compares our life on earth to being a runner in a race. I have to admit that, while I like exercise, in school I would have gladly sat in the bleachers rather than go through PE, let alone run. Of course, I was forced to do it anyway (I usually came in last).
The truth is every one of us is running the race of life. There are many who sit in the bleachers and watch, but that is not an option for us. The ones who are watching from the bleachers have already lived their lives on earth. Their finishing times have been recorded. These are the saints, the angels, our friends and relatives who have died: and they are all watching the arena where we are competing right now, watching our performance. Although I find this insight a bit unnerving, the fact remains that most of us would probably try harder if we realized how many were watching us and what is at stake!
We are not spectators in life. We are strivers. Earthly life is not a time of security, but of struggling. Saint Paul tells us how to compete in this race: keep your eyes always on the goal. And the goal is life on high with Christ Jesus. We are to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as we go through the day, making it our aim to please him every day. We can only run the race well if we keep the goal in mind. What is your goal today?
Saint Paul also tells us to be aware of our handicaps. We are to cast aside the sins that still cling to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us. Unrepentant sins are like lead weights tied around our wrists and ankles. They weigh us down and prevent us from competing well. So long as we keep Jesus as our goal, even if we are slow runners (or even walkers!), we will always be a winner in the race of our lives.
Father Gary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|