August 14, 2022, Sunday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time-C

Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10

Psalm 40

Hebrews 12:1-4

Luke 12: 49-53

…persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus. Hebrews 12:1-2

“I have come to set the earth on fire…” Luke 12:49

Lord, a lot goes into being a gold medal champion in the Olympics. The athlete must sacrifice so much of their lives to focus on training. They must keep their eyes on the goal of reaching the finish line and winning the race. Your word today urges us to persevere in running the race of life. You warn us that trials await and that we may grow weary and be tempted to quit running. But with our eyes and hearts set on you we keep moving forward one step at a time, one day at a time. But we do not run alone. Lord, you came to light a fire in our hearts. A fire that helps us endure the fatigue, the hills, the heat and the wind that challenge us in the race. The fire of your word and your grace is enough to get us to the finish line. Lord, give me the strength I need as I look to you. Run with me, Jesus. Pace me to the joy of victory over sin and death. I can’t win without you. I look forward to the complete joy you have prepared for me. Amen.