Run the Race!

THE NOW WORD ON MASS READINGS
for September 12th, 2014
The Holy Name of Mary

Liturgical texts here

DON’T look back, my brother! Don’t give up, my sister! We are running the Race of all races. Are you weary? Then stop for a moment with me, here by the oasis of God’s Word, and let us catch our breath together. I am running, and I see you all running, some ahead, some behind. And so I’m stopping and waiting for those of you who are tired and discouraged. I am with you. God is with us. Let’s rest upon His heart for a moment…

This whole week, Our Lady and Lord have been teaching, encouraging, and prodding us on to purity of heart. Can you see the paradox in this? The world is teaching, encouraging, and tempting us to impurity—to the pollution of the soul that Satan knows will dull your conscience, stifle your zeal, and make you leave the Race for easier and wider roads. Paul knew these temptations, and while crying out to God in his weakness, ^[1]cf. 2 Cor 12:9-10 he constantly set his heart upon the prize: communion with He who is love itself.

I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified. (First reading)

Yes, this road is hard. The hills are often very steep. It is washed not with cheap wine but the tears of repentance. But remember this: God does not reserve blessings to His children for only eternity; He begins to reward us even now:

Blessed they who dwell in your house! Continually they praise you. Blessed the men whose strength you are! Their hearts are set upon the pilgrimage.

Purity of heart is also to remind yourself continually that you are a pilgrim, that Heaven is your true home, and this earth and all its sorrows and pleasures is passing. It is Christ’s promise that as we seek first the Kingdom of God, we are already storing up treasures in Heaven. And since the Kingdom is not far, Jesus said, neither are those treasures. What treasures? That of peace, joy, and divine security that this world cannot give. These are the first fruits of the eternal bliss that awaits us if we but persevere in running the race.

Look, if it is difficult, if you feel that you are alone, if it seems that you do not have the strength to continue… then you are indeed on the right path. For that was the very same path that Jesus took on His way to the Ressurection—the path of weakness, abandonment, trust.

So let us rise now and continue our Race. But do not follow me… follow in the bloody footsteps of the One who shows us that suffering produces an incomparable glory; purity, the vision of God; perseverance, the peace of a good conscience; and charity, the joy of heaven. Jesus has opened the road for us to glory! So…

…run!

No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher. (Today’s Gospel)