In 1980 Rosie Ruiz did the unthinkable. Apparently at the tail end of the Boston Marathon she jumped into the crowd of runners and finished strong, appearing to shatter all female records to date. She accepted her victory as people marveled at her record shattering performance.
Can you imagine what must have been going on in her mind as people stood in amazement? The guilt inside. Shame. Fear. I am a poser.. One reporter is quoted as saying “Rosie Ruiz was never seen by race officials or in video tapes of the entire marathon until the final stretch.” Check out the short two-minute video below.
Most Lents I end up feeling like a failure. A poser. I start off somewhat strong, with commitments to follow Jesus, give something up, and take something on.
Yet, there I stood once again yesterday on Palm Sunday. The final week of Lent upon us, still feeling somewhat like a poser. I found myself asking, Have I really journeyed with you during these days, Lord?
Anyone feel like Rosie Ruiz during this last week of Lent?
Standing in a crowd of authentic racers and knowing you’re only starting the race at the end. I’m late to the race again for Lent, but here I come hopping into the crowd of true racers to attempt my grand finish. If so, get in line…right behind me.
Yet, our week is here, and Jesus is waiting for us to join him. It’s a divine and grace filled invitation, one that we don’t deserve yet He pours upon us. It doesn’t matter what we have done for the last 33 days, the invitation still stands today and there is no shame in finishing strong this week, even if we are only just beginning.
If you are like me and in need of a little encouragement, then please read the thoughts from a couple of saints below.
“The death of the Lord our God should not be a cause of shame for us; rather, it should be our greatest hope, our greatest glory. In taking upon himself the death that he found in us, he has most faithfully promised to give us life in him, such as we cannot have of ourselves- St. Augustine
“Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.”- Pope St. John Paul II
As we jump into Holy Week, we turn our eyes to Jesus in great humility and remember
“For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sinning” – Hebrews 4:15
Happy Holy Week!
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