Today we read two beautiful readings, one from Hebrews and the other from the gospel of Mark.

Paul tells us to keep our eyes fixed on jesus the giver and perfecter of our faith. Unlike him we have not yet resisted sin to the point of shedding blood. This is a necessary boost for us.

Many of us struggle with sinful habits or reoccurrent vices that seem to trap us and keep us down. Yet Paul informs and encourages us to keep pushing forward. We are to keep resisting and only in the struggle will we encounter the strength. Only in choosing to fight will we come to know the grace of victory.

We have not resisted to the point of shedding old which means there is still work to be done. It also means that the easy way is no way at all.

Secondly in the gospel we encounter Jesus performing miracles. He cures the woman with the affliction and raises the daughter of Jarius, the 12 year old girl.

We like the miracle stories. They come across like a Hallmark special or made for tv program where things turn out swell.

But the question remains, "what exactly does the cure cure."

The miracles do not cure them of the problem of pain and death. These still remain. In fact the woman and little vigil still need to face the harsh reality of the ultimate darkness.

So what is the point. The miracles are meant to get us to look beyond. They invite us to redirect our gaze on the one who shows us the way through the darkness. They give us pause to check where our focus is. Are we just looking out for today or do we have our gaze set for something more,

In Calcutta in a home for the dying and destitute run by the sisters of charity, there is a sign on the morgue that reads, "I am on my way to heaven."

We must not blink but rather fix our gaze. As mother Teresa stated once, "I've never known anyone who feared death who witnessed the love of God in this life."