August 17, 2025; Hebrews 11:1-2,8-12; 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Life is difficult. And there’s a certain freedom that comes with acknowledging this fact. Most of us gathered here live happy, fulfilling lives, surrounded by the people we love. But into every life, sooner or later, difficulties arise: issues concerning family, issues of finances, issues of health. Facing those issues is a part of living. Life is difficult.
So, how do we, as believers, face such challenges? The author of the Letter to the Hebrews provides us a way. In today’s second reading, he says that we should run the race that is before us, with our eyes fixed on Jesus. Running the race of life is difficult, but the direction must be forward. It does us no good to look backward, pondering questions: “If only this had happened. If only I had made that choice.” It’s of little value to be frozen in the present, wondering, “Why is this happening to me?” As people of faith, we are called to run forward, with our eyes on Jesus. We are to believe that as we move forward his help and his strength will be provided to us.
So, we run the race going forward. And we do not run it alone. The author of Hebrews tells us we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. Every other person is also running their race forward, and they can give witness to help us run our race. When we stop to notice others who are facing difficulty, two things become clear. The first is that there are many people who are carrying burdens heavier than our own. No matter how frustrating or how difficult our life might be, there are others who are dealing with more. You’ve heard the old saying “I complained to God that I had no shoes, and then I met a person who had no feet.” Other people can witness to us, that our race is not the most difficult one to run.
The second thing others can show us is even more important. They can give us a witness of hope. When we recognize others who are facing difficulties but consistently choosing life, refusing to give up, remaining people of generosity and thoughtfulness—their witness can show us that running our race is possible and well worth the effort.
Life is difficult. That is why it is important for us to identify people we know who are facing difficulty with hope and follow their example. Then, we can run the race that lies before us with our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus.