The first part of today’s reading tells us human programs that we are being watched. We understand that everything we think, say, and do is observes. Believers realize that we have to be aware of being witnessed. We are fools if we do not guide our actions accordingly.
1 Hebrews 12: 1-4:
“Brothers and sisters:
Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us
and persevere in running the race that lies before us
while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus,
the leader and perfecter of faith.
For the sake of the joy that lay before Him
Jesus endured the cross, despising its shame,
and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God.
Consider how He endured such opposition from sinners,
in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart.
In your struggle against sin
you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.”
“Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,” indicates that we are, as Belloc said almost a century ago, “We are being watched by great and awful faces from beyond.” The witnesses who watch see our actions, hear our words, and know our thoughts.
Who are “the great cloud of witnesses”? They include the souls of preceding family members. They are angels. They are the souls of the saints we ask to intercede for us. The souls of those whom we have hurt may also be in the “great cloud of witnesses”.
Not one of our thoughts, words, or deeds escapes the notice of the “great cloud of witnesses”. In earthly courts, witnesses give testimony before the Judge pronounces sentence. In the Heavenly Court, we may assume that something like “Playback” occurs, during which all significant thoughts, words, and deeds are played back. The recording is perfect. It omits nothing we have done or failed to do.
At the end of “Playback”, there is no doubt about our guilt.
In the Judgment that will send each of us where we deserve to go, all we can do is plead for mercy.
Do all of us need mercy? Consider the end of The Reading, and compare our struggle against sin with His. We find the truth about ourselves: “In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.”
Each of us has a way to go. A long way to go.
