All runners receive prizes in Christian Olympics

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 10, 7 August 1984, Page 12

All runners receive prizes in Christian Olympics

Fr.

Neal

Wilson

The Olympic Games have given us a feast of enjoyment. We have been captivated by the beauty and energy of people performing to perfection. We stand awestruck by the singleminded dedication of the athletes. We have felt disappointed when our favourites failed to win a gold medal. The athletes themselves. will have to face up to the fact that the glory fades. The Olympics may be a glory that fades but they can remind us of an unfading glory — Jesus Christ personifies this glory. Having come from heaven Jesus Christ never tired of telling us of the joy and beauty of the gathering of the angels in heaven. Jesus Christ had a single-minded dedication to establishing that kingdom of heaven among us. His victory over his opponent

was so acclaimed that he * split history in two, B.C. and A.D. We count the years from the time of his birth. The writers of the New Testament were familiar with the Games of their time, they saw the likeness with the Christians contest. They write of a 'Cloud' of witnesses on every side of us (Hebrews 12) encouraging us to run the race we have started. They write of the 'strict training' of all fighters at the games (Corinthians 9:25) and our need to discipline our bodies. They point to the difference that only one of the 'runners at the stadium' gets the prize (Corinthians 9:24) but all who 'race for the prize to which God calls us upwards' (Phillipians 3:! 5) receive it. The prize is the crown of unfading glory (1 Peter5:4).

Fr.

Neal

Wilson

S.M.