[Greek] ἀγωνίζομαι (agōnizomai), [Latin] contendere, [Latin] certere, [Latin] decertere, [Latin] sollicitus: to contend for a prize, to compete, to strive, to endeavor to accomplish something; Lk.13:24, Jn.18:36, 1Cor.9:25, Col.1:29, Col.4:12, 1Tim.6:12, 2Tim.4:7
Carlos Acutis’ tomb is opened for public veneration in Assisi Italy. His life provides us an example of what it means to contend for the prize of salvation.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to engage in a conflict (struggle), to insult, to contend for a prize, to fight for a cause, to contend in court, and to bring to issue. Herodotus’ The Histories 2.160 states “The Egyptians deliberated and then asked the Eleans. If their won cities took part in the contest (Olympic games), all Greeks from Elis must attend.” Euripides’ Heracliedae 992 states “When I had taken up a quarrel with Heracles and realized that this was the struggle I would be engaged in, I became the inventor of much grief.” Plato’s Lesser Hippias 369c states “I will prove to you by satisfactory argument based on many pieces of evidence.”
Greek Hero/Jewish Maccabeean Martyr: These metaphorical models both illustrate the Hellenistic heroic qualities of the exercising of virtue, discipline, and self-denial. The heroic struggle of the athlete takes place in the arena, while the heroic struggle of the pious Jew takes place in the moral life. The struggle for virtue also becomes equated with an athlete’s striving. Paul later equates the athlete’s striving to a faithful Christian. Some Christians and Jews will ultimately exercise their virtue even to martyrdom in the arena (and in the moral life).
Old Testament: This term means to struggle, to contest, to debate, and to uphold one’s faith (in times of persecution). They vindicated their nation, looking to God and enduring torture even to death (4Macc.17:10). Even to the death, fight for the truth, and the Lord your God will battle for you (Sir.4:28). Leaving the outcome to the Creator of the word, Judas exhorted his followers to fight nobly to death for the temple, the city, the country, and the government (2Macc.13:14).
New Testament: This term means to strive, to fight, to struggle, the exercise, and to compete. Jesus states that one must strive (with effort) to enter through the narrow door into the kingdom of heaven. Jesus points out that His followers will not be fighting against handing Him over to the Jews, since the kingdom of heaven is not here in this world. The Christian, like a disciplined athlete, seeks to win the imperishable crown of salvation in his race in life. Paul, as a disciple and slave to Christ, labors and struggles in his apostolic service for Christ. Epaphras, in his service to Paul, works in his service in evangelizing and praying for the Colossians. Paul, as he approaches the end of the life, testifies that he has finished the race in being faithful in serving Christ.
New Testament:
“Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.” Lk.13:24
It will require effort to enter through this narrow gate. This door will not remain open indefinitely.
“Jesus answered, ‘My Kingdom does not belong to this world. If My kingdom did belong to this world, My attendants would be fighting to keep Me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, My kingdom is not here.’”Jn.18:36
Jesus’ kingdom is not here in this world.
“Every athlete exercises discipline I every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an inperishable one.” 1Cor.9:25
The Christian is likened to an athlete who also must exercise discipline with exertion. This imperishable crown is salvation.
Striving for holiness: Carlos Acutis, who died of leukemia at the age of 15, will be the first Millennial to become beatified. From early on, his first love was for our Lord in the Eucharist. He began visiting Eucharistic miracles all over the world. He believed that if people knew that Jesus was truly present in the Eucharist, they would turn to God. In fact, today is the Beautification Mass for Carlos Acutis.
Quotes from Carlos Acutis:
“If we get in front of the sun, we get sun tans, but when we get in front of Jesus in the Eucharist, we become saints.”
“The Eucharist is my highway to heaven!”
Conclusion:
Contend, contention, solicit, certain, certainty, ascertain, agony, agonize
I think I knew for certain that this would be a very interesting term. This term consists of many meanings, ranging from fighting, contending, competing for a prize, insulting, and striving for holiness. Early on in history, striving for virtue was a deeply held Hellenistic value. Competing and contesting can involve games, fights, legal proceedings, and holiness.
In the Old Testament, this Hellenistic value applies to the pious Jews and Maccabeean martyrs. Although not exactly similar, the Maccabeean martyrs become a precursor to the Christian martyrs. The Jews died for their faith in the Law, while the Christians died for their faith in Christ. Although 1Macc and 2Macc are only considered canonical, 3Macc and 4Macc are still important in terms of the understanding the Maccabeeans.
In the New Testament, Jesus illustrates that effort and discipline are needed in order to enter the narrow gate into heaven. Jesus also makes an important distinction that His kingdom of heaven is not in this world. Paul likens the faithful Christian as a disciplined athlete who seeks to finish the race. It is important that the faithful Christian win the prize of salvation in his race in life. It is very interesting to note that the bones of the Christian martyrs are called trophies. These Christian martyrs ultimately won their prize of salvation. Paul states that he has completed and finished the race, being faithful to Christ. Paul will also be later martyred in Rome.
Carlos Acutis is a very inspiring example to the younger generation (and all others) who have to contend with difficulties (disease, adversity, peer pressure, etc.). He had a very enthusiastic interest in attending Mass. He often had to coax his parents to join him in going to Mass. In a sense, Carlos Acutis could potentially be considered the patron saint of bringing one’s parents to Mass. He stated that he offered up his suffering for the pope and the Church. A spokesman for Acutis’ beautification stated that his entire body was present but not incorrupt. Despite his difficulties, Carlos Acutis was able to contend for the prize of salvation.
Keep striving and contending on that narrow road. (Make sure you stretch and limber up. It could be a difficult race!)