The first thing one does before he engages in some sort of contest is to consider what his goal is. The first in intention, we say in philosophy, is the last in execution. In other words, the first thing we should think about is what we want ultimately to obtain. And in this case what we all want is eternal beatitude-we want to see God and to love Him for all eternity in heaven. We must always keep our eyes fixed on this heavenly reward. The love of God and our desire to be with Him should be the one thing which motivates us in all we do. So think often of heaven and the joys which await us there. Don't ever forget that after Lent there is an Easter; after this short period of trial on earth there is eternal happiness.

The next thing one must do is to learn something about his opponent-what his strengths are, how he flees, how one can best defend himself against the opponent's attacks. We have three opponents, three things which can be obstacles to our finishing the race. They are the world, the devil, and our own self-three sources of temptations. We know the devil is always prowling around, looking to devour us at all costs. We must never give him even an inch; give him an inch and he'll take everything, even your soul. Pray to your guardian angel to protect you from this "father of lies." Regarding ourselves, ask God to give you a good well-formed conscience, one which will guide you in all your thoughts and actions. Pray for the grace to know your own weaknesses-we all have them; and then look out for and avoid situations which can bring out those weaknesses, those situations we call "near occasions of sin." Regarding the world, it's very simple: Live in the world, but be not of the world. Our Blessed Lord already told us so clearly: The world hates you... Don't make friends with the culture of death, because death is all that it will bring you. Now, knowing how these three opponents maneuver is half the battle in beating them.

Another step in preparing oneself for the big contest is mortification. As St. Paul says: Everyone that strives for the mastery restrains himself from all things...I chastise my body, bringing it into subjection. Mortification is one Christian practice which is not exactly popular nowadays, to put it mildly! And yet, it is so important to the spiritual life, so important if we want to win the race. You can be sure that there is not one saint in heaven who did not practice at least some form of mortification. It can take on various forms: fasting, staying up late to pray (what we call "vigils"), abstaining from certain types of food or drink, abstaining from certain forms of entertainment, and so on. Really, anytime you voluntarily deny yourself some form of delight or pleasure you perform an act of mortification. This is a huge help in restraining our passion (or emotions) which, since the Fall, have never been completely obedient to reason and lead so often into sin.

Now, just as all athletes need to get sufficient nourishment in order to possess strength and stamina, so must the Christian get constant spiritual nourishment from prayer and the sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist and Confession. Why we don't make more use of the sacraments which God gave us is mind-boggling! Do we really think we can do it on our own? Even the amateur knows how foolish it would be to try to climb a mountain or run a race without having eaten for days. So why do we starve ourselves from God's grace and then try to run the straight and narrow path which leads to salvation? Once again our Lord reminds us: Without Me you can do nothing.

Finally, all of the above will be in vain if we do not persevere until the end. The runner may fall down now and then, but as long as he keeps running he's still in the race. St. Paul makes reference in today's epistle to the Israelites who journeyed in the wilderness, so many of whom never made it to the Promised Land. We must pray everyday for the grace of final perseverance; it is not a grace we can merit. We must beg God for it! Many are called, our Lord said in today's Gospel, but few are chosen. God desires all men to be saved, but how many actually persevere along the narrow way to salvation?

As we continue to prepare ourselves for the coming Lenten Season, as we continue to run this race to heaven, take the necessary precautions, apply the necessary training, and "Run so as to win."

Rev. Victor Szczurek, O. Praem.

Holy Cross Chapel

San Diego, California

February 8, 2004