Motto 2011

Laying aside that which weighs us down!

These words are both a call and an encouragement. The image of a marathon runner illustrates what this means. He must fight, be firm and have endurance. The most important thing is the goal, that has the runner has in mind. To achieve his goal, he lays aside all difficulties and everything that would prevent him from running.

Let us transfer this image of the marathon runner to our life and our journey of faith. Some struggle with physical burdens and sufferings which afflict the soul, others with illness and other impairments. Others suffer disappointments and problems concerning themselves, their personal environment, or society. Such things often weigh on the soul and rob one of joy and peace. We must fight against these thoughts and feelings. Yet vainness and our self-confidence can stand in the way.

We want to lay aside that which weighs upon us, like an old sage once instructed: A person was on the road to the land of his desires. It was a long and arduous journey. Finally, he came to a wide river. He knew: over there, on the other side, there is the country of glory. He could hardly wait to get over. When he found a boatman who was ready to put convey him to the other side he said: "You have to leave your luggage here." "I take only people without any ballast!" The traveller was very shocked and it appeared impossible to simply dump and leave all the things which he had accumulated and painstakingly dragged along on his long journey. “Everything?” he said, hoping to at least be able to bring something along. "I will only take you - without your luggage - else you stay here with your stuff." "Decide!" replied the Ferryman.

“…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us" from Hebrews 12;1 

Jesus Christ is our example in this respect. He had his ordeal and persevered and did not evade it. We want to have Jesus in mind, just like the marathon runner has his goal. This gives us strength and endurance on our way to preserve our courage and confidence even if at times we have to carry pain or sufferings.

“Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”     

2 Thessalonians 1:1

United in love with you, yours

Markus Fehlbaum