There is a popular story about two wolves; the story is attributed to Native Americans, particularly the Cherokee tradition. According to the story, one day, a grandfather told his grandson, “There is a fight going on inside every person. It is a terrible fight between two wolves. One is evil: he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other wolf is good: he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.” The grandson thought about it for a moment and then asked, “Which wolf wins?” The grandfather replies, “The one you feed.”
Today’s second reading from the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us that we are in a race, not a sprint, but a long-distance run. And to make it to the finish line, we need to stay focused on the right goal and allow ourselves to be influenced by the right people. The passage opens with a powerful image: “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…” In other words, “You are not alone. You are not the first to face what you are facing. And you are more equipped than you think.” These “witnesses” are not just passive observers. They are the saints, the martyrs, the faithful believers, those who finished the race and left us footprints to follow. People like Noah, who built a boat in the middle of dry land with zero clouds in sight; Abraham, who followed God’s call without knowing where it would lead; Moses, who faced Pharaoh with nothing but a staff and God’s promise; the Blessed Virgin Mary, who said yes to the impossible, Peter, who despite his denial became a rock; Mary Magdalene, who after being broken by sin, was healed by mercy and stood at the foot of the cross, and became the first to announce the good news of the empty tomb. And Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. These witnesses had the two beasts fighting constantly in them, but they fed the right beast.
Now, what about us? Every day, we are constantly surrounded by influences: people, media, trends, and voices; some that lift us up, and others that drag us down. It is easy to get distracted, discouraged, or even tempted to give up. That is why today’s Second Reading from the Letter to the Hebrews says, “Let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us.” We cannot run freely if we are chained to bitterness, laziness, pride, discouraging voices, excuses, and shame. We must throw them off, not tomorrow, but today. Because here is the truth: whatever a person really wants to do, they find a way. If they don’t want to, they find an excuse.
Sometimes we say, “It is too hard. I can’t change. I have tried many times and failed. My past is too messy. I will never be holy. It is a generational thing.” However, the truth is that many of the obstacles we encounter in life are not meant to be walls, but rather stepping stones or ramps. A wall stands to prevent you from getting across to the other side, while a ramp elevates you. A wall says, “Stop here.” A ramp says, “Rise here.” In life, we encounter tough seasons, such as financial stress, health challenges, family drama, a failed relationship, a missed opportunity, failing a test, self-doubt, or the loss of something or someone important, and we call them walls, thinking of giving up. At such points, you are not stuck; you are being called to a higher level. Obstacles can strengthen you. Delays can teach you patience. Failure can make you wiser. Struggle can stretch your capacity. Pain can deepen your compassion. Yes, that is if you see the obstacles as ramps, as part of your growth, and not the end of your journey. Remember, it is always darkest before the dawn, and you get tested the most when it is time for you to elevate. Even Jesus, the perfect One, faced hardship. As the Letter to the Hebrews puts it, “Consider how he endured such opposition from sinners, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart.” Jesus did not just suffer and die for us; He also showed us how to live: with focus, perseverance, and grace. God does not ask us to start with what we don’t have. He asks us to trust him and start with what we have. Winners, people who rise above, do not wait for perfect conditions; they start with what they have, right where they are. When you focus on your lack, it will grow. And when you focus on your resources, they will grow.
My dearly beloved in Christ. Considering that we all have these two wolves in constant struggle in us, I now ask you: which beast are you feeding? Which beast are you starving? Who are your influencers? Are you focusing on your burdens or your goal? Are you focusing on your discouragers or your encouragers? Are you feeding your faith or feeding your fears? The choice is yours.
Homily for 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C 2025
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