Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

Lectionary: 324

Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us
and persevere in running the race that lies before us
while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus,
the leader and perfecter of faith.

The Author of Hebrews reminds us often of the sacrifices others have made for our benefit. The eleventh chapter recalls heroic men and women of ancient and recent times who lived by faith, with only a distant vision of what we have seen in Jesus. This “litany of saints” concludes with today’s first verse, “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses….”

...we make sacrifice as they did. The Author addresses a church that has already suffered and survived persecution. A few had been put to death, some had been arrested for their faith; many had suffered the confiscation of their property; and all had suffered ostracism. But that day had passed -- at least for the time being -- and the Author worried that the Church had lost the fervor of that Golden Age. We must persevere in running the race that lies before us.

Today, leaders of the Catholic Church and many of its people have declared our opposition to abortion. It is well that we do so; but we should remember we are asking young women, many abandoned by husbands, boyfriends and family, to give life, protection, shelter, food, clothing and education to a child, when they can hardly provide for themselves. We ask them to set out on a road of enormous sacrifice where the dominant culture shows them an easier road.

Isolated young women must ask us, “Will you make sacrifices with us?” and “Will a cloud of witnesses support us?”

Pregnant women must surrender their youth to an infant, and take up the life of an adult. Being young –rightly or not – means freedom, playfulness, innumerable friends and open-ended possibility. Being adult is limits, duty, commitment, work, routine and weariness. It is not easy to make such a sacrifice at an early age for an uncertain future.

Self-righteous Christians will hold back saying, "You should never have gotten pregnant in the first place!" Then they'll wash their hands of the whole business.

That cannot be our response. Those who "persevere in the race" take up a life of sacrifice that does not end. Many of us can remember the sacrifices our parents made during the early years after World War II. The economy was depressed and jobs were scarce. To have children meant sacrifice. But that era passed and life became easier for many people. It was no longer necessary to pinch every penny to barely get by. Sacrifice meant staying at the Holiday Inn instead of the Sheraton Hotel.

That is not the story the impoverished pregnant woman needs to hear. She needs to know that we continue to scrimp and save so that she can have her baby. A cloud of witnesses will help her feed, clothe, house, protect and educate her child. We are willing to give time, talent and treasure to create the village that every child needs.

She needs to hear and see that God Provides for his people when the economy doesn't. We have stories to tell about our past and witness to give for the present and pledges to make for her future.

For the sake of the joy that lay before himJesus endured the cross, despising its shame,and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God.Consider how he endured such opposition from sinners,in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart.