The Heroic Minute Challenge: Day 4: Jesus Lives Out the Heroic Minute

Day 4: – So far during the Heroic Minute challenge we have focused on the words of St. Josemarie Escriva who coined the phrase “Heroic Minute”. He did not, however, invent the concept.  In fact, when we examine the Scriptures and the lives of the saints throughout the ages, we find that we are in very good company in attempting to live out the Heroic Minute. Jesus did too! (Minus the snooze button, of course). St. Mark’s Gospel provides us insight into Jesus’ Heroic Minute: “Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.” (Mk 1:35)What do we learn when we examine the verses which surround this account of Jesus rising early and praying?We see that Jesus led a busy life. On the evening before (St. Mark makes a point in stressing “after sunset” Mk 1:32), we read how Jesus cured many people of illnesses and set free those who were possessed by demons. It had been a long night for the Lord.  In spite of that, he still made a point to rise before dawn to spend time alone, praying. We live in a busy world – most of us can attest to late nights trying to fit in all the tasks that we are responsible for. Yet, Jesus’ example demonstrates that time with God does need to come first. A lot of people needed Jesus. In the following two verses (Mk 1:36-37), we read how “Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, ‘Everyone is looking for you.'” I chuckled when I read this passage and thought of all the times when my quiet morning prayer time has been interrupted by my husband or my children. I wonder how hard it was for Jesus to break away from this peaceful