The Beijing Olympics is fast approaching as we are constantly reminded by the daily media. The athletes who have been chosen to participate have undergone stringent preparations and training to secure themselves a place in the race, in the hope that their physical endurance will result in them being crowned winners in their respective sporting field.
Likewise, if we want to be winners in the Christian faith race, we must have a spirit of endurance. This was the focus of our worshipful reflection on Hebrews 12:1-2 as we were encouraged to keep "Running The Race" and celebrated the empowering presence of God in and through our lives. What a blessed experience and inspiring time it was to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith"!
Hebrews 12:1 (ICB) ~ “So we have many people of faith around us. Their lives tell us what faith means.”
As the World Youth Day celebrations and visit of Pope Benedict VI come to a close today in Sydney, during our sing-along this evening we sang these words prayerfully.He who would valiant be 'gainst all disaster,
Let him in constancy follow the Master!
There's no discouragement shall make him once relent
His first avowed intent to be a pilgrim.
Since, Lord, thou dost defend us with thy Spirit;
We know we at the end shall life inherit.
Then fancies flee away, I'll fear not what men say,
I'll labor night and day to be a pilgrim.
