One of the things that often attracts our attention during the Olympics is the powerful stories of sacrifice and determination from young men and women around the world.  As this year’s games draw to a close, I’m reminded of one of the most memorable and inspirational stories from the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.  Derek Redmond was a British sprinter with high hopes for the 400-meter race.  Four years earlier, just minutes before his race at the 1988 Olympics, he had to withdraw due to injury.  After extensive physical therapy and a complete overhaul of his training, Redmond emerged as a strong contender in ’92, having won gold medals at the World Championships and achieving a personal best that placed him among the world’s elite.

Thanks so much for stopping by to read this homily for the 19th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, August 11, 2024.  I appreciate your sharing this on your social media posts and your feedback and comments…  I’m also grateful for all those who’ve asked for the audio version and share them as well at SOUNDCLOUD click HERE or from ITUNES as a podcast HERE.  May the Lord be glorified in your reading and sharing- Father Jim

However, his right hamstring tore only 150 meters into the semifinal race in Barcelona, and he collapsed on the track in excruciating pain.  It would have been understandable for Derek to accept defeat and be carried off the track.  But as the stretcher-bearers approached, Redmond struggled to his feet and began hopping toward the finish line.  His father, Jim Redmond, who had been watching from the stands, rushed past security to reach his son.  Derek recalls, “He tried to talk me out of it at first, saying that I didn’t need to prove anything, but I told him I was going to finish.  Then he said we would do it together.”

And so they did.  The two of them made their way down the track together, with Derek leaning on his father for support and Jim encouraging him to keep going.  The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, moved by the display of perseverance and the bond between father and son.  This powerful display of unity and love, where one person’s strength supports another’s weakness, is a reflection of the divine love and support We receive from our Heavenly Father.

This story resonates deeply with the message of today’s readings.  If we were to sum up these scriptures in three words, they would be: “Don’t give up.” This message, echoed throughout the scriptures, is a constant reminder that even in the face of adversity, we are not alone, and we should never lose hope.

In the first reading from the Old Testament, we hear about the prophet Elijah.  As a messenger of God, Elijah’s task was clear—proclaim God’s word to His people.  Straightforward, yes, but indeed not easy.  The prophet faced hostility from Queen Jezebel, who denied the Lord God as she worshiped diabolical pagan deities.  Jezebel sought his life, forcing him to flee into the desert.  There, Elijah, overwhelmed and exhausted, prayed, “This is enough, O Lord; take my life!”

It’s reassuring to know that even a revered prophet like Elijah had moments of despair and exhaustion.   Because you and I, as the People of God in our day and age – I think we’re afraid to admit that we can get tired… We can grow weary…   The world around us seems to be spinning out of control.  People seem polarized, tense, and angry about lists of issues.  And for those trying to live a good, decent life, following the Lord God’s commands, we can appreciate the prophet’s sentiments.

But what does the Lord do for Elijah?  Does He scold him for his lack of faith, for being weary, for saying words that strike us as blasphemous?  No, He doesn’t do any of that.  Does the Lord magically take care of all that troubles Elijah?  Does He send that Jezebel where she belongs?  Smiting or smoting Elijah’s adversaries?  No, He doesn’t do that either.   The Lord sends a messenger, an angel, to Elijah’s side, ordering them to eat and drink not once but twice with the words – “Get up, eat, or else the journey is going to be too long for you.” The message is clear: Don’t give up.  Taste and see the goodness of the Lord, as we sang in today’s psalm.

Saint Paul, in our second reading, echoes a similar sentiment.  He acknowledges the struggle between human temptations and the call to live as beloved children of God.  Despite the bitterness, anger, and malice we may face, especially when we try to be Faithful Catholics in an ever-growing hostile environment to that, Paul encourages us to imitate God and live in love.  He believes that we can overcome these challenges with perseverance and the help of God’s gifts.

The greatest gift of God is revealed in the Gospel.  Unlike the simple bread and water given to Elijah, Jesus offers Himself to us as the Bread of Life.  He invites us to feast on His Body and Blood and nourish ourselves with His presence.  In our moments of weariness, when it feels as though the world has forgotten us and our struggles seem endless, Jesus’ invitation remains: to consume His Flesh and find eternal life.  His promise is steadfast: He will never abandon us.

We need these reminders.  Many of us come to Mass with understandably distracted minds and heavy hearts — whether we’re facing uncertainty about our future, struggling with family tensions, dealing with illness, or mourning the loss of a loved one.  These trials can make us feel isolated and weary.  It’s okay to feel this way.  It’s okay to struggle.  But remember, you are not alone in your struggles.  Our faith community is here for you, and most importantly, God is here for you.

Jesus encourages us not to grow weary, lose hope, or give up.  He gives us His body and blood in the Eucharist as the Bread of Life, providing nourishment that transcends our trials and strengthens our spirits.  We pray for the Holy Spirit to empower us with the same courage and perseverance we witnessed in Derek Redmond’s story and see in the life of Elijah.  As we partake in the Eucharist today, may we find the strength we need from the Bread of Life, embracing with renewed courage the call to persevere.  We know that in every moment of struggle, our heavenly Father sees us and runs to us.  He walks with us, telling us to lean on Him, urging us to keep going and never give up.