Saturday, October 31, 2009

Our Companions in the Journey

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb. 12:1-2).

For me, this is the message of All Saints' Day. The saints are witnesses: they testify to the enduring and eternal value of following Jesus. They cheer for us as we run the race towards the true life. They encourage us when we are tempted to drop out of
the race, when we feel as if we are running alone, when we uselessly compare ourselves with other runners. With the saints, we fix our eyes on Christ who is at the head of the race, leading us as the pioneer, but also the goal of the race, as the perfecter of our faith.

The saints, then, not only pray for us, but also accompany us in our journey towards Christ. Thank God for the saints, thank God for our companions.

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