The Catholic Writers Guild

“I have run the race….”  Although the majority of our society does not really “know” the bible I find it fascinating that there are phrases, lines and metaphors which repeat over and over again in our culture with origins that are rooted firmly in scripture.  The beginning line of this text is one of those.  It is from Paul’s letter to Timothy when it has become clear to him that he is in his last days.  Considering our obsession with sport I also find it interesting that it is also an “athletic metaphor”.   Like our culture today the Greeks and Romans were enamored of all things physical and competitive.  Of course those cultures are the root of the Olympics that we still celebrated today on a world scale.

In ancient Rome all sport was spectacle. Some of it was deadly serious when fought to the death at the whim of the emperor.  So the idea of sport and the massive crowd being integrally involved as spectators would not have been new or foreign to the author of Hebrews.  The other prominent race/sport metaphor in scripture can be found in the letter to the Hebrews where it is preceded with the mention of the “great cloud of witnesses”.  Though the author seems to be referring to those believers who have died, it is not hard to imagine the great clouds of witnesses the writer must have seen at stadium races in Rome, Corinth or any other stadium in the Roman world.

Paul was essentially a Greek and a man in close touch with the cultures of the day.  That is why his letters for the various communities are so different from each other and so treasured by each group.  If you read them carefully you will note that each has some kind of positive commendation at the beginning that encourages the particular community in a way that is meaningful to them. As writers for these times we can do no less than Paul did.  Besides writing because we enjoy the task it is up to us to remember that we indeed are members of the “great cloud of witnesses” right here and now and will continue to hold that responsibility in perpetuity.   As November children, so to speak we, take seriously that we are the saints and souls who are part of the engine that fuels, encourages and sustains the barque of the Church.

Our writings, humble or great instantly become part of that body.  So write with that knowledge, let it sink deep into your consciousness, let it change you and then be expressed in your writing no matter what the topic. We are the people standing at the edge of the course offering runners the ability to finish the race when they were sure that was an impossible task.  Talk to someone who has run a marathon and find out how powerful that encouragement can really be.

KathrynCunningham

Kathryn is a retired junior high teacher. A convert with a love for the Church she believes that its teachings have a more than viable application for today's world. She writes practical theological for the people in the pews believing that they have as much right to good catechesis as our youth and converts. Her writings appear on Catholic web sites and local Church publications. She has even been published in the diocese of Australia and most recemtly Zenit. Kathryn holds a Master's in Theology and is a certified spiritual director. Learn more about Kathryn at: www.atravelersview.org