"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." (1 Cor 9:24-25)

This teaching of St. Paul was affirmed by St. Peter Claver, whose feast we celebrate today. He said: "The whole company of saints bears witness to the unfailing truth that without real effort no one wins the crown." Yes, it is only through the grace of God we can make the effort. But how conscious are we of the important race we are running? It is the race for eternal life. Many of us put all our efforts in trying to survive the day and having a comfortable life here. What if we would put the same effort in growing in our relationship with God? Isn't this what Jesus referred to when he said that we need to be rich in the things that matter to God? Earthly treasures or heavenly ones? It is a matter of priority. As Jesus said: "Seek the kingdom of God first and all things will be given you."