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August 10, 2014These days it is not unusual for runners to run a mile in less than four minutes, but 60 years ago some thought doing so was impossible for human beings. However, in 1954, an Oxford University track star named Roger Bannister made the impossible a reality. On May 6, 1954, a cold, windy day terrible for running, with only a small crowd on hand, Roger Bannister ran a mile in three minutes, 59 seconds. He so inspired the world of track and field that , nineteen days later, an Australian runner, John Landy, became the second person to accomplish the feat.
Landy's accomplishment, so close on the heels of Bannister's, set the stage for a dream race two months later at the British Empire Commonwealth Games in Vancouver, Canada. Both runners were scheduled to compete. The race began and Landy took the early lead, a lead he held as they went into the homestretch, the final straightway. Then Landy did something he should never have done. He glanced over his shoulder to see how far behind him Bannister was. The momentary break in stride was all Bannister needed. He shot past Landy to win the race. If only Landy had kept his eyes on the finish line! Most believe, that had he done so, he would have won the historic race. Today a bronze statue of the two runners stands in Vancouver commemorating the race. Landy is shown 'glancing over his shoulder.'
There are striking similarities between the story of Bannister and Landy and today's Gospel account (Matthew 14:22-33). Jesus calls Peter to come to him across the water. Peter steps out of the boat into the water. Trusting the one who called him, Peter finds himself doing the seemingly impossible: he is walking on the water. As Peter moves toward Jesus, the Gospel account says that when he saw how strong the wind was, he became frightened and began to sink. Distracted by the turbulence, Peter took his eyes off Jesus, even as Landy took his eyes off the finish line, and he began to sink. Peter's experience reminds us of the importance of keeping our eyes and hearts fixed on the one who calls us to discipleship promising us the strength to follow through. With so many distractions and temptations surrounding us, it is easy for us to lose our focus and thereby lose our way. The life of discipleship is not without challenge and can seem impossible at times unless we keep our focus on the one who calls and rely on the presence, nourishment and strength he has promised. The 'wind' is a real and ever present threat. However, with our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can prevail and reach the finish line. Even Jesus, as we see at the beginning of today?s gospel passage, took time to pray, to be focused on and in touch with the Father who sent him. With all the challenges he faced, he knew he could not persevere if he did not keep his heart fixed on his mission and the one who sent him on mission.
As we run for the ultimate goal, the kingdom of heaven, let us keep our eyes fixed on finish line. Learn from Peter (and from John Landy) the importance of keeping our eyes and hearts fixed on the ultimate prize.
Fr. John Klein, Pastor
