Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we can imperishable one. Thus, I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing. No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I should be disqualified. – 1 Cor 9:25-27
Friends, God is good, all the time!
Some 19 years ago, a beautiful sunny morning suddenly turned into a thick dusty, dark cloud in New York City when two hijacked planes crashed into the world trade center towers. If we must recall the day, we do so for two reasons: the first is to pray for the souls that perished, even the ones that made the killing, and the second is to ask the question, could that have been avoided?
The parish I served in New York City had some of the parishioners affected by the 9/11 event. I met beautiful young Catholics in the parish whose parents were taken from them early in their lives, making life indeed an adventure for them. I can barely imagine and feel what goes inside of the heads and hearts of the families who were left without their beloved ones since 9/11. Our hearts go out to all those who are denied the joy of waking up to see the faces of their father, mother, child, or friends because someone took their lives away.
But should such denials continue? Doesn't everyone have the right to live and enjoy the presence of their loved ones? Each person has only one life, and it is sacred to be protected. St Paul tells us that preaching the gospel is an obligation imposed on him, and woe to him if he doesn't do it. Isn't it true of how we are called to honor the sacredness of our lives and others' lives? I tell you, it’s an obligation imposed on all of us and owe to us if we don't. Do you realize that God gave us many years and possessions but only one life? For in his superior judgment at the trial of the woman accused of adultery, Jesus says, "Let him who is without sin be the first to cast a stone at her “(Jn 8:7).
The real issue involved in the 9/11 event and others like it is again addressed by the question Jesus puts to us, "Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?” (Lk 6:39). There is no denying that those who orchestrated the 9/11 event were blind men who led the blind perpetrators. As Jesus mentioned, a fully trained student becomes like the teacher. Thus, a Christian should become like Christ after listening to his words and receiving his body and blood.
When blinded, even Christians quickly gossip, hate, condemn, deny others' rights and dignity, and meaninglessly boast. Thus, if we are to listen to the Lord, we must get rid of our own blindness. If there is another essential wisdom to apply to our lives together, St. Paul's full advice in today's first reading is apt. Read 1 COR 9:16-19, 22B-27. Paul says, among other things, "I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing. No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I should be disqualified” (V.26-27). So that we also do not run aimlessly and be disqualified from the reward that comes from knowing Jesus Christ, it is necessary that we authentically live the gospel and not deceive ourselves. Prayer blessings: Father, open our eyes and turn our ears to be attentive to the words of your son. Amen.