Forerunners of Christ with Saints and Martyrs by fra Angelico, 1423/24
My dear friends,
On this Wednesday of Holy Week, let us reflect on the profound wisdom of three verses found in Hebrews 12:1-3:
let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely,
and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,
looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith,
who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.
In this passage, the author encourages us to run the race of life with endurance, like athletes preparing for a great contest. He implores us to lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, so we may be unburdened and free to pursue the path of righteousness. The call to lay aside "every weight" suggests that we should release ourselves from the burdens of attachment to material possessions and superficial desires, which can hinder our progress on the spiritual path.
What does it mean to run the race with endurance? It speaks to the commitment we must cultivate within ourselves, to persevere on the path of virtue, even when faced with challenges and difficulties. Life is a journey filled with highs and lows, joy and sorrow, success and failure. To maintain our composure amidst these fluctuations, we need inner strength, resilience, and unwavering determination.
Just as an athlete trains diligently to attain physical excellence, we too can train our minds to be steady and focused through practices like meditation, prayer, and self-reflection. These practices allow us to tap into the wellspring of inner peace that resides within each of us, regardless of our religious or cultural background.
This passage also highlights the importance of casting off the burden of sin. In a broader sense, sin refers to actions and thoughts that create disharmony and suffering for ourselves and others. In Buddhism, we refer to this as negative karma, the actions driven by ignorance, attachment, and aversion. By recognizing and acknowledging our shortcomings, we can begin the process of purification, striving to live more mindfully, compassionately, and ethically.
As we reflect on these teachings, let us remember that we are not alone in our journey. The passage reminds us that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, ancestors, and spiritual guides who have walked this path before us, offering their support and encouragement. In Buddhism, we believe in the interconnectedness of all beings, and just as we seek guidance from enlightened beings, we too can be a source of inspiration for others.
The third verse brings our focus to the ultimate source of our strength and inspiration. Our gaze is directed to Jesus, the embodiment of love, compassion, and selflessness. Regardless of our religious beliefs, Jesus stands as a symbol of the divine qualities that we can all cultivate within ourselves. He is an exemplar of how to face suffering with courage, transcend the limitations of the physical body, and embrace a profound sense of purpose.
During this Holy Week, as we contemplate the life and teachings of Jesus, let us reflect on his example and strive to incorporate his compassion and love into our daily lives. By doing so, we can draw nearer to the divine qualities within ourselves and foster a more compassionate and harmonious world.
Let us heed the wisdom of these verses and reflect on our journey as spiritual athletes, running the race of life with endurance, while shedding the burdens of attachment and negativity. Let us draw inspiration from the great cloud of witnesses and the timeless teachings of Jesus, guiding us towards a path of compassion, love, and self-transcendence.
May this Holy Week be a time of deep inner reflection, transformation, and renewal as we walk towards the light of greater understanding and inner peace. And may we, together, contribute to the betterment of humanity and the world through our actions and thoughts.