Those of us who have taken part in a race would know what it takes to succeed. We would need to put in hours of practice, eat proper food to gain energy, get enough sleep, and do many other things to be prepared. But whatever one’s motivation is to participate in a race, patience, perseverance and persistence is needed, so that one would hopefully achieve what one is looking for. When it comes to preaching the Good News and serving others, we also need to be prepared, be patient, persevere and be persistent in our efforts. There are times where our efforts seem to be not as fruitful as we wanted, but what matters is not how effective or efficient we have been, what matters is how earnest and diligent we are in performing our tasks.
In today’s reading, we are reminded: “God would not be so unjust as to forget all you have done, the love that you have for his name or the services you have done, and are still doing, for the saints. Our one desire is that every one of you should go on showing the same earnestness to the end, to the perfect fulfilment of our hopes, never growing careless, but imitating those who have the faith and the perseverance to inherit the promises.” We cannot do everything and we cannot please everyone, but let us not grow careless or complacent in our efforts, but be faithful and consistent, for the greater glory of God.