3rd Week of Ordinary Time 2021 - Friday - Endurance to do the will of God

 Since Monday of the first week of Ordinary Time our first reading from daily mass has been from the letter to the Hebrews, and we’ll continue to hear from it until the Saturday before Ash Wednesday.    In the New Testament you can find the Letter to the Hebrews immediately after the thirteen Pauline letters.  No one but God knows who wrote this letter.  A passing reference to Saint Timothy seems to suggest that it was written by someone in the circle of Saint Paul and his assistants, but it’s authorship is ultimately unknown.

It seems to be addressed to a group of Jewish Christians who were undergoing persecution for their new faith, but we do not know where this group of Jewish Christians lived; it could have been Rome, Jerusalem, Ephesus, Alexandria, Antioch, we don't know.  

What we do know, as is evidenced in today’s reading, is that these Jewish Christians had and were continuing to face ongoing persecution. And so today's reading is urging them not to give up faith. Don’t draw back from Christ, don’t give up the faith, “for those who keep faith will possess life”. 

Hebrews also gives some very good advice for all of us, who aren’t necessarily being openly persecuted, but those who strive to do the will of God, which isn't always easy--perhaps to keep a commitment to praying daily, or fasting more. “You need endurance to do the will of God”. 

Yes, in our weakness we need to learn to rely on God’s grace. But real spiritual growth, real effectiveness in ministry, requires something on our part. Endurance. How can the Christian keep on going amidst spiritual difficulties, how does one hang in there once the initial enthusiasm is gone? Endurance.

When the going starts to get tough in the vineyard of the Lord, what can we do to boost our Christian endurance? A number of things. Firstly, call to mind scriptures like this, remind yourself, that God never promised that things wouldn’t get tough, and that endurance can carry us far. Secondly, call to mind why you’re doing what you’re doing in the first place. I’m going to pray because I want to seek the Lord, I want to know the Lord, I want to encounter the Lord, I want to grow in holiness. Thirdly, call to mind the example of the Lord’s own endurance, particularly on his way to Calvary, carrying the cross, amidst the mockery and harassment of the onlookers. Consider how even the Lord himself must have drawn refreshment by meeting his mother on the via crucis. Fourthly, ask for help. God sustain me. God help me. God carry me over this slump, help me to remain faithful to my commitments. When we do so, God causes the mustard seed of our human endurance put forth large sturdy branches that even others will benefit from.

Paul writes, “Endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. And hope does not disappoint.” 

In our spiritual lives and in our holy labors may we practice the Christian endurance that deepens our hope and spreads hope to others unto eternal life, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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For a deeper openness to God’s will, readiness for service, attentiveness to those in need, endurance to do the will of God, and peace in our world and our hearts.  Let us pray to the Lord.

For a new springtime of justice: that all people of good will may work together against the increasing threats to civility, religious liberty and human life.  Let us pray to the Lord.

For those who struggle because of addiction, discouragement, mental illness, chronic sickness, unemployment, or ongoing trials of any kind:  that the new wine of God’s grace through Christ will bring them consolation and peace.

For the repose of the souls of our beloved dead, For the deceased members of our family, friends, and parish, for the souls in purgatory and for…N. for whom this mass is offered.

O God, our refuge and our strength, hear the prayers of your Church, for you yourself are the source of all devotion, and grant, we pray, that what we ask in faith we may truly obtain. Through Christ our Lord.