For the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time…
…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,
the leader and perfecter of faith.
Hebrews 12:1-2
I live in a quintessential New England town in Massachusetts, complete with a village green showing off war monuments, a gazebo and a tiny ice cream shop. Historic churches and tokens of American history are found everywhere here. And the Boston Marathon runs right through the heart of town.
On Marathon Monday (aka Patriots Day) I can walk to town and take my place on the sidewalk alongside family and neighbors cheering, clapping, ringing bells and carrying signs… as thousands of runners—from elites from around the globe to novices who qualify—take to the pavement from Hopkinton to Copley Square. All in search of a personal best time and a medal for crossing the famous finish line.
The writer of this Sunday’s epistle knew his metaphors: The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes perseverance and pacing. One’s eye and heart must be on the goal. One must be willing to be led by Jesus, and yield to his training regimen. That includes shedding sin and vices and all that weighs us down in the pursuit of finishing well.
Let’s lace up and ask the Spirit to be the wind at our backs.
Come, Holy Spirit, help me run the race, fixed on Jesus.
