1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NT-13)

Run, so as to win the prize of heaven.

A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians.

Brothers and sisters,
Do you not know
that the runners in the stadium all run in the race,
but only one wins the prize?
Run so as to win.
Every athlete exercises discipline in every way.
They do it to win a perishable crown,
but we an imperishable one.
Thus I do not run aimlessly;
I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing.
No, I drive my body and train it,
for fear that, after having preached to others,
I myself should be disqualified.

The Word of the Lord.