Hebrews 12:1-4 / Mark 5:21-43
Running as a form of exercise can be very refreshing and good for our well-being.
But competitive running as in a race can be quite exhausting as we push our bodies and stamina to try to win the race.
In a race, one has to be very focused in trying to catch up with the one in the lead, or if one is in the lead then he must maintain his position.
The 1st reading tells us to keep running steadily in the race that we have started and we should throw off everything that hinders us especially the sin that clings so easily onto us.
In other words, we must keep focus and not lose sight of Jesus who leads us in our faith so that with Him we will share the joy of victory.
But we must also be aware that there are many distractions that will make us lose focus on Jesus and these distractions will also cause us to doubt and to lose faith in Jesus.
In the gospel, there were two persons who looked to Jesus in their distress. They "ran" to Him with a desperate need and hoped that their needs will be granted.
But there were obstacles and challenges and difficulties for them. The woman with the haemorrhage had to disregard public opinion and Jairus, the synagogue official, had to keeping hoping even when he was told that his daughter was dead.
But they kept focused on Jesus and believed in Him and won the race.
May we too keep running and keep our focus on Jesus and trust in Him. He will give us the joy of victory.