Do you know why geese honk? I have been told that “honking” is their way of encouraging their leader. Lined up in formation, they do their part by being “cheerleaders” to their champion who opens a path before them.
I have been a “flock leader” at various times in my life and I know how discouraging this can be. When I tire, or see little progress being made, or face opposition, I struggle with the temptation to give up. Those were the times when I needed cheerleaders to encourage me to persevere in running the race.
Each of us, in saying yes to Jesus, are running the race to heaven. We may not be a recognized leader, but we are leading a small flock of one kind or another. Our reading from Hebrews (12:1-4) today “cheers” us on—Jesus and others are depending on us.
“Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us…”
A marathon runner is encouraged when she looks around and sees other brave souls running with her. These are a “cloud” of companions that remind her that she is not running alone. We Catholics are blessed to have an ongoing devotion to the saints. These are the men and women who ran the race before us. They struggled with the same stuff we go through. They battled fatigue, discouragement, and even persecution, and through it all the persevered in running the race. We have our favorite saints who surround us and remind us what they went through—and that it is worth it! And we remember that we are part of that living cloud of witnesses for others in our lives.
“…while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him, Jesus endured the cross, despising its shame, and as taken his eat at the right of the throne of God.”
Ignoring what can be negative circumstances and voices, we look straight ahead to the face of Jesus as he waits at the finishing line to receive us. He tells us his secret for persevering: he preoccupied his mind with the reward that was just a few hours ahead of him. He would soon be safe and pain-free in the arms of his Father.
“Consider how he endured opposition from sinners, in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart.”
If Jesus could do it, so can we! By filling us with his grace, God creates Jesus within us. We have the strength to endure opposition, and the power of the Holy Spirit to help us overcome weariness and feelings of discouragement. It is not us running the race, but Jesus living within us.
Let’s stop and name the unique cloud of witnesses that God has given us—those living and those who are part of the Church in triumph. Let’s remember that we are the “saints” of our day who carry the banner of Jesus through our generation. And who are those on earth who look to us as their “lead goose” and rejoice that we can be examples and intercessors for them. Our witness inspires others to persevere, and reminds them that our secret is to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.
“And to him my soul shall live…” (Psalm 22:30).
