Life's journey with Christ
"Therefore, 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 while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader, and perfecter of faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2) This profound passage from the Letter to the Hebrews vividly captures the essence of the Christian life as a journey of persevering faithfulness toward Christ, who is presented as both the exemplar and the fulfillment of faith. Employing the imagery of an athletic race, the text emphasizes that the spiritual journey demands endurance, discipline, and a singular focus on Jesus. The "cloud of witnesses" evokes the communion of saints, those faithful believers throughout history who have already completed their earthly pilgrimage and now encourage and inspi...