Tuesday 3^rd February – Tuesday of week 4 of the year

Reflection: Hebrews 12: 1-4

RUN TO OBTAIN

Our journey of faith as Christians can be likened to a marathon. It indeed demands a great level of discipline, resilience and commitment to reach a successful completion. Much as an athlete eagerly disciplines himself to obtain a perishable crown, with what greater earnestness and resolve ought we to run our Christian race which stands to earn us an imperishable and incorruptible crown (1 Cor 9: 24-25).

Today, dearest in Christ, the writer to the Hebrews is admonishing you and I to take a closer look at our lives with a view to identify and do away with the “excess luggage” that threatens to deny us the joy of a successful ending of our Christian race (Heb 12: 1-4). The “excess luggage” could be sinful habits we have long indulged in or character flaws we have failed to attend to over time. Either way, we must be reminded that the way that leads to life is narrow (Mt 7: 13-14); only the few that demonstrate the required love, discipline and commitment can walk therein.

This year is still relatively new and in it lies potential for meaningful achievement. Let us run the course of the year with the intent of obtaining the full blessings apportioned for us by our loving Father. Though at times we might get weary along the journey, let us emulate the endurance of our Saviour and seek refuge in Him. His Body and Blood, the Holy Eucharist remains an indispensable spiritual nourishment we need to constantly avail ourselves of (John 6:53,57; 1 Kings 19:7).

PRAYER: It is you I seek Oh Lord! It is for you I live my Father. Please prune me of all that opposes your love; that I may live to attain the purpose of my creation. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 1037 – God predestines no one to go to hell; for this, a wilful turning away from God (a mortal sin) is necessary, and persistence in it until the end. In the Eucharistic liturgy and in the daily prayers of our faithful, the Church implores the mercy of God, who does not want “any to perish, but all to come to repentance”.

HIDE A TREASURE:“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?” Matthew 16:26 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Hebrews 12: 1-4; Psalm 22: 26-28, 30-32; Mark 5: 21-43