From the Friars: Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
The first time I recall hearing the song “Keep your Eyes on the Prize” was at an Operation Rescue event in the late 1980’s. The Pro-Life Movement borrowed this Civil Rights anthem, which has its roots in the African American folk/Gospel tradition. The song has several references to Sacred Scripture including the title which comes from Philippians 3:14, which is part of today’s second reading. The context is St. Paul’s powerful witness of his turning away from the things of his former life “as so much rubbish,’ and his intense focus on the goal of our existence, sharing the Glory of the Risen Lord.
The great struggle of Black Americans, from slavery through the mountains and valleys of the Civil Rights Movement, found a unique and moving expression in theses inspired words of the Bible, sung in a beautiful way that only they can do. The prize was freedom, respect and recognition of their infinite dignity as children of God, no less than any other human person. But the song did not forget the ultimate goal of the Eternal Kingdom. The final line is: “Ain’t been to Heaven but I been told, Streets up there are paved with gold.”
For pro-lifers, the song expressed the goal of recognition of the dignity of the unborn child. The lyrics speak of St. Paul and Silas going to jail, as many did during the time of the rescue movement. Despite being characterized as “right wing” by the popular media, many in the pro-life movement were also involved in the Civil Rights battle and anti-war protests of the 60’ and 70’s. The truth of the dignity of the human person, created in the image and likeness of God, cannot be put in an ideological box.
Paul Writing His Epistles, attributed to Valentin de Boulogne – Public Domain, Link
If noble human goals can inspire so much heroic dedication and sacrifice, how much more should we not imitate St. Paul in his relentless pursuit of salvation and sanctification. We were created to share the very Glory of God for all eternity. The path runs through Calvary as we will soon recall in Holy Week.
Let us “count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus (our) Lord.”
Eyes on the prize!
Fr. Peter
