< <  

Tuesday, January 21, 1997

  > >

St. Agnes


Hebrews 6:10-20
Psalm 111
Mark 2:23-28

View Readings
Similar Reflections

they do run, run, run...

"Our desire is that each of you show the same zeal till the end." —Hebrews 6:11

Life in Christ is like running a race (see 2 Tm 4:7; Phil 3:12; 1 Cor 9:24). We must "show the same zeal till the end" and "not grow lazy" (Heb 6:11, 12). We are able to keep running no matter what because we are loved by God and fully assured of inheriting God's promises (Heb 6:11-12). Love keeps us running for God (see 2 Cor 5:14), and we love because God first loved us (1 Jn 4:19). He sent His Son to die for us, gave us a new nature, adopted us into His family, and made us His heirs.

"See what love the Father has bestowed on us in letting us be called children of God! Yet that is what we are" (1 Jn 3:1). The Lord "has bestowed on us the great and precious things He promised" (2 Pt 1:4), and He will continue to fulfill His promises perfectly. That's what love is all about. Therefore, "do not grow lazy, but imitate those who, through faith and patience, are inheriting the promises" (Heb 6:12).

Beloved, run fast for God all the way across the finish line to "life on high in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:14). Run, beloved, run!

Prayer:  Father, You are faithful to Your promises. You are Love (1 Jn 4:16). I love You.

Promise:  "The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." —Mk 2:28

Praise:  Agnes asked her executioner to hurry up and kill her for Jesus. She didn't want to insult Jesus by prolonging the opportunity for sin.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, June 20, 1996


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 26, 1996