Racing and faith

 I am not immune to what is happening in the world around me as it relates to sermons, I am frequently indifferent which is not at all the same thing. The Olympics are currently going on in Rio and it was a delightful coincidence when it comes to the combination of athletics and this week’s Lectionary readings; assuming you believe in coincidences over providence.

We are still looking at Hebrews, beginning in the middle of chapter 11 and finishing with verse 2 of chapter 12. We read a lengthy list of heroically faith-filled people which, if you are a particular kind of person, just makes you think, “But I haven’t done anything like any of that . . . I must not have much faith.” If you aren’t that kind of person that’s great! For the rest of us the good news comes in Hebrews 12:1, which reads, “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,” (NRSV). The key part of that verse, for these purposes is, “the race that is set before us”; note that it is the race set before “us,” not the race set before anyone else, just our race.

The analogy of “race” shows up, especially at St. Mark’s, and the race that perhaps best describes our race of faith is the steeplechase.

Knox Presbyterian Am I persevering in the faith?

St. Mark’s Presbyterian Am I persevering in the faith?

Blessings,

PS. I am not expecting a “cease and desist” letter from the IOC regarding this weeks doodle but if I get one, I will probably comply but I will most certainly let you all know about it too! 🙂