Do you not know that
all those running in a stadium
run
but one receives the prize?
run persistently so that you obtain it.
Moreover everyone who competes
must be disciplined in everything.
So they (do this) to receive a perishable crown,
but you an imperishable (one).
I, for that reason,
in this way I run
not aimlessly,
in this way I box
not beating air.
But I discipline my body
and I bring it under control
lest somehow
preaching to others
I might not be shown to be not what I should be.
Teach us, good Lord,
to serve thee as thou deservest;
to give and not to count the cost;
to fight and not to heed the wounds;
to toil and not to seek for rest;
to labour and not to ask for any reward,
save that of knowing that we do thy will,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
St Ignatius