Tuesday, January 7, 2014

The Third Lap: Daily Mass Homily--Friday, January 3rd, 2014


Note--We had Mass today, not in a church, but outside our hotel in Bolgatanga, Ghana.  Truth be told, the space we were in was a spot--a bar!  (Don't think of a bar like the ones you see in the U.S.  Spots in Ghana are simple outdoor gathering spaces in which you sit in lawn chairs to enjoy a glass of water or a cold beer.)  We needed to have Mass here as our bus was late in picking us up for daily Mass at the local parish.
           
            You probably all know I am a runner.  I have been on many different track and cross country teams since I was in junior high.  Through the years my favorite race in which to run was the mile.
            The first lap in the race is easy—adrenaline is firing and the competition gets the juices going.  The second isn’t bad either as you get in stride and hit a consistent pace.  The third lap is the most difficult—the wheels feel like they are about to come off and fatigue sets in.  The last lap, though difficult, is better than the third as the homestretch is in view.  Thus, the most crucial lap of a mile race is the third.  It truly makes or breaks a time.
            We are on the third lap of our trip.  We began with many graces, excitement and fun in Walewale.  We settled into a daily routine of work and prayer, with fun stuff mixed in.  As a group we are now beginning to feel drained and many of us have a touch (or more) of illness.  The wheels could fall off our trip, or we could set our selves up for an amazing finish.
            Continue to be joyful and grateful during our last days in Ghana.  God has much more in store for us and the people here.  Let’s keep going strong.

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