Word to the Wise
Monday, February 15, 2010 - Monday in the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
[James 1:1-11 and Mark 8:11-13]Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.... [James]
I'm sure many of my congregation will be watching the Winter Olympics on television and marveling, as I do, that people will focus their entire lives on the preparation for this competition to obtain a gold, silver or bronze medal. Careers, relationships, education are all put "on hold" so that the necessary training can take place. There's no question that it takes perseverance, something that the Letter of James calls our attention to today. St. Paul marvels, himself, about this in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, where he speaks of all that athletes do to win a "perishable crown" and notes that the only way he can preach with integrity is to exercise a similar discipline in order to win an "imperishable" crown. His fear is that after having preached such a necessity to others, he would be found lacking. I know how he feels! Lent begins this week and this season can remind us of the necessity to persevere in the "training" that is required to be consistent and continual disciples. Simply modifying our diet or our spiritual practices for this season alone is not enough, unless there is a long term goal (present and eternal), an "imperishable crown," to motivate us. Perseverance draws its strength from that goal - the present and eternal enjoyment of God's love. Perhaps we can spend a moment in regard to olympic medal winners and ask, "Where are they now?" Is the medal a wonderful memory only? What we stand to gain from perseverance in discipleship is more than a memory. If for no other reason, I am grateful to these great athletes for reminding me of my own need to "stay in shape!" AMEN
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