The Tenth Sunday of Pentecost

This week’s reading locates us within the Letter to the Hebrews (11:29-12:2).  Hebrews is written to a church that has grown weary in keeping the faith.  They are worn down and worn out and are on the verge of giving up hope.  Given the challenges facing our world and the church, we may at times feel the same.   To those weary Christians the writer of Hebrews has a simple and direct word of encouragement:  “Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished the race we're in.  Study how he did it.  Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish of a glorious life in and with God—for the sake of this joy he endured the disgrace and shame of the cross, disregarding its shame.”  So, if you are feeling tired, disheartened, or wanting to simply walk away from faith, Hebrews says, keep your eyes on Jesus.  See what he endured for the world’s sake, see how much he loves you and the world that despised him, and learn from him the shape of your life.  His love is more than enough to sustain us.