John became a disciple of Saint Bernadine of Siena and a noted preacher while still a deacon, beginning his work in 1420. The world at the time was in need of strong men to work for salvation of souls. Thirty percent of the population was killed by the Black Plague, the Church was split in schism and there were several men claiming to be pope. As an Itinerant priest throughout Italy, Germany, Bohemia, Austria, Hungary, Poland, and Russia, St. John preached to tens of thousands and established communities of Franciscan renewal. He reportedly healed the sick by making the Sign of the Cross over them. He also wrote extensively, mainly against the heresies of the day. “Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant.” (Luke 12:37)
Everyone loves a good relay race. Each member of the team has his or her part of the race to run, and each must be ready to run.
This is the kind of focus and anticipation that we need if we want to stay faithful until Jesus returns to take us home with him. Simply being ready to run is part of the race!
Think about the way Jesus lived when he walked the earth. He spent his first thirty years living a quiet life, waiting for just the right moment when he would burst on the scene and begin proclaiming his gospel. He was always ready for the call, but he knew his time had not yet come. Even today, he is in heaven, ready and waiting for the moment when his Father will send him back to earth. And in this in-between time, Jesus has passed the baton to us. Filled with his Spirit, we should make sure that every day we are dressed and ready (Luke 12:35) for whatever challenges come our way. Even if it is simply to wait for our turn to run, we can still offer every act of sacrifice and love, no matter how heroic or mundane, as a prayer to the Father.
And here’s the surprise ending: The servants who have remained watchful until the end—they will end up being served, not serving. God himself will wait on them! When we cross the finish line, we will be victors along with all the saints—and with Jesus. Imagine the joy we will feel, having run our race faithfully, to see our Creator and heavenly Father celebrating our victory and actually honoring us!
Every day that passes brings your race closer to a close. Soon you will lay down the baton and take up a winner’s wreath instead. The victory music has already begun. So take your mark! Draw courage from the heroes of the faith who have completed their course. They’re cheering you on, just as your Father is. Get ready. Get set. Go!
“Jesus, help me to be ready to follow you every moment. Forgive me for the ways I have grown idle in your delay. I can’t wait to see the finish line, where you are waiting for me to share in your victory!”
Ephesians 2:12-22; Psalm 85:9-14