Hebrews 12:1-4
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, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
Homily:
Sin and Virtue are seeds that are always available to us. The 2 seeds are poisonous to each other.
Our choices determine which is planted, gains root, is nurtured, flourishes, bears fruit and spreads (compounds).
At any point in time, we can poison the tree of sin by virtuous choices or poison the tree of virtue by sinful choices.
There is a constant battle between convenience (sin) and sacrifice (virtue).
Without deliberate choice, sin, like weed, will prevail.
With deliberate choice, virtue, like cultivated plants, will prevail.
However, we must remain vigilant, because weeds are unrelenting.
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41
