When one plans to compete in a marathon, one would make effort to eat well, exercise regularly, have enough rest and make other necessary changes to one's lifestyle so that the marathon could be completed successfully. For some, it does not matter what position one achieves, since it is the completion that matters. For others, they would try to win a medal or a prize. But whatever one's motivation is to participate in the marathon, perseverance and persistence is needed.
The same principle applies when preaching the Good News and serving others. We need to be prepared, persevere and be persistent in our efforts, for what we are doing is not for our own selves, but for the glory of God. 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. As today's reading reminds us: "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 change everyone, but let us not grow careless or complacent in our efforts, but be faithful and consistent, for the rewards are certainly out of this world.
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