July 17 The Heart of St. Paul
We do not know much about Paul’s personal life, but it seems that he must have liked sports. He uses sports references in many of his writings, including First Corinthians 9:24-27. He writes: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So, run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it in order to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one.Well, I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating at air; but I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should become disqualified.”
All who possess the gift of faith are athletes for Christ. The Holy Spirit is their coach. He helps them to go a little farther and dig a little deeper. Just as athletes discipline their bodies to run the race, so Christians must discipline their bodies and souls so that they will never lose sight of their true goal in life: heaven.
The athletes who have already successfully run the race are the saints. By our devotion to them, they give us training tips so that God can get a little more out of us. The saints also encourage us along the route of the race. Jesus Christ has given us his Word and his Body and Blood as the proper food to put our bodies and souls in top spiritual shape.
St. Paul is our motivator when we become tired and want to drop out. He knows what it takes because he has already run the race. He knows that we need the Holy Spirit. Christians need the spiritual discipline of prayer, the sacraments and generous service to others. Christians also need the physycal discipline of turning away from sin and living a life of virtue.
When athletes win today, they always tell people they are going to Disneyland. As we run for the imperishable crown of holiness, we know if we win that our goal is much higher: we are going to heaven.
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