Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.
The great thing about the “cloud of witnesses” Hebrews mentions here is that they are not schleps who are sitting in the stadium, lazily cheering for the team while they swill beer and wolf pretzels. They are the Team. Every one of the witnesses in the cloud has been down on the field where you are now. Everyone is a champion. That’s why they are cheering. They know you can run the race of holiness in the Spirit because they did it themselves. Today, ask the heavenly witnesses, the saints of Jesus, to help you with their prayers and to join you in giving praise and glory to God, our heavenly Father.
Get Mark Shea's 3-CD set of talks, An Evangelical Discovers the Catholic Faith. Contents include:
"By What Authority?: An Evangelical Discovers Catholic Tradition"
"This is My Body: An Evangelical Discovers the Real Presence."
"Behold Your Mother: An Evangelical Discovers the Blessed Virgin Mary
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