In the Letter to the Hebrews the writer, having spoken of the faith of Abraham, Moses and other Israelite heroes, to a Christian community living in fear of persecution, says: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us...". (Heb 12: 1) During the Covid19 pandemic we have seen how relevant a live crowd is to sporting events. The fans are not merely passive. Even though the players or competitors must run the race or play the match the presence and support of the fans gives their efforts meaning and helps them to keep going even when they are behind on the scoreboard. The significance of saints in the Catholic Church is not to act simply as role models. Rather, they cheer us on and intercede for us so that we may keep going and join them in glory. The life of faith in 2020 is not easy. We are surrounded by challenges not least of which are our own anxiety, fears and doubts. Thus, by gathering together for Sunday Mass and at other times we encourage each other to continue our discipleship journey together until the end. St Paul wrote: "Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one. So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified." (1 Cor 9: 24-27) Let us, therefore, strive with the help of the saints to become worthy of our Baptismal calling.
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