A Cloud of Witnesses!

Hebrews 12:1

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.

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Mark P. Shea is a popular Catholic writer and speaker. The author of numerous books, his most recent work is The Work of Mercy (Servant) and The Heart of Catholic Prayer (Our Sunday Visitor). Mark contributes numerous articles to many magazines, including his popular column “Connecting the Dots” for the National Catholic Register. Mark is known nationally for his one minute “Words of Encouragement” on Catholic radio. He also maintains the Catholic and Enjoying It blog and regularly blogs for National Catholic Register. He lives in Washington state with his wife, Janet, and their four sons.

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