Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame,
and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners,
so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV
***
Lord,
help us to see in your crucifixion and resurrection
an example of how to endure and seemingly to die
in the agony and conflict of daily life,
so that we may live more fully and creatively.
You accepted patiently and humbly the rebuffs of human life,
as well as the torture of the cross.
Help us to accept the pains and conflicts that come to us each day
as opportunity to grow as people and become more like you –
make us realize that it is only by frequent deaths of ourselves,
and our self-centered desires that we can come to live more fully,
only by dying with you that we can rise with you.
Mother Teresa