23rd Friday in ordinary time, Feast of St John Chrysostom. September 13, 2024
1 Cor 9:16-19, 22b-27; Ps 84:3-6, 12; Lk 6:39-42 Optional: Eph 4:1-7, 11-13 Mk 4:1-10, 13-20
There is a line in the first reading that I really like, “Run so as to win” 1 Cor 9: 24. Having been an NCAA Division 1 athlete, I do know a thing or two about running a race to win. While it did not happen as often as I liked, the feeling one gets after winning a race is exhilarating. Saint John Chrysostom, whose feast day is today, knew a lot more than me about running a race to win, although his race was a different one. His race was all about preaching the Gospel. He was so good at it that he was given the moniker of the “golden-mouthed,” or Chrysostom. He was one of the finest orators of the age.
Due to his excellent teachings, he was given the position of the Bishop of Constantinople. During that time, he was constantly under attacks by the government and was kicked out during the infamous Synod of the Oak. During his life, he was a prolific writer on theology and wrote or delivered over 80 sermons just on the Gospel of John. He was given the title of Doctor of the Eucharist for his eloquent witness on the real presence. He died on September 14, 407.
Running the race to win is more than just starting the race and having a desire to win. It is about the preparation one does ahead of time, and the constant practice needed to perfect the talent. Jesus was forthright when He said, “Remove the splinter in your eye first.” Lk 6:47. To win a race, the athlete knows he must first remove all those impediments that are slowing him down, be it physical or mental. One cannot even begin to race if their bodies are not in perfect shape, and their thoughts are not focused.
Our race is not a physical one, our race is a spiritual one. The race where we win when we reach the end of our life, and we make it to heaven. Hence Jesus is imploring us to look into our own souls and find all those things that are slowing us down. Get rid of those first before focusing your eye on the finish line. Do a thorough Examination of Conscience, seek Reconciliation, and rid yourself of all those splinters. And I would contend, do not go around looking at others to find their faults. Focus in on your own, like Jesus says, and rid yourself of them. Train yourself to do good and get rid of evil. For through the constant training of your own conscience and free will, you will be fully trained and ready to run the race.
Saint James Catholic Church 