Photo by Sinitta Leunen: https://www.pexels.com/photo/tired-man-athlete-resting-on-bench-5496591
Over the past two weeks, I have binge watched much of the Paris Olympics. I continue to be amazed by the discipled art of the athletes.
These young people prepared for years for this opportunity. They honed their skills by rigorous practice many hours every day in and out of season.
I was impressed by interviews with the Ukrainian athletes. They spoke of the bombed out condition of many of their practice venues. They told of how they were offered the opportunity to train outside their country; and yet many of them insisted to train in their country as a statement of solidarity with those defending the Ukraine.
Saint Paul speaks of the Christian life in terms of Olympic competition.
He writes: 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
Paul emphasizes that Christian living is not a spectator sport; it is the very work of winning the race.
The final act of preparation before the athlete enters the arena was known as the “agonia,” the ultimate test. This word is not found in the Gospels, although we have come to refer to the suffering of Jesus in the Mount of Olives as “the Agony in the Garden.” This agonia of Jesus is his final preparation before entering into the work of His passion and death. He prays that He may overcome the snares of Satan and remain faithful to his calling.
Take some time to reflect on what the Paris Olympics meant for you. Do you faithfully and daily exercise virtues as a preparation of the challenges the race might offer?
Father Steve Adrian
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