The Lord tells us that the Christian life is like a race (see 2 Tm 4:7), indeed, like a marathon. There are many who do not cross the finish line. They are called "fallen away" or "backsliding" Christians. In fact, at the end of the world, unprecedented numbers of Christians will not cross the finish line. This is the great apostasy (2 Thes 2:3).

Will you cross the finish line and live with the Lord forever? (see Phil 3:14) We cross the finish line not because we are strong or better than others. We cross the finish line because we have let the Lord carry us through life and across the finish line. Without Jesus, we can do nothing (Jn 15:5). We are totally dependent on Him.

We let the Lord carry us because we have received His love and have decided to love Him with all our hearts. "The love of Christ impels us who have reached the conviction that since One died for all, all died. He died for all so that those who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him Who for their sakes died and was raised up" (2 Cor 5:14-15). Love is our motivation and inspiration to put our lives in the hands of the Lord, Who carries us home. "The love of God has been poured out in our hearts" (Rm 5:5). Run and finish the marathon of love.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, December 29, 2002

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 31, 2002