The hard work of choosing life

For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page, which includes Fair's current Living by the Word column as well as past magazine and blog content. For full-text access to all articles, subscribe to the Century.

I played competitive tennis as a teenager. At one point, a new player started working with my coach. He was a natural athlete—quick, agile, and well coordinated. I was impressed.

My coach was not. He said, “That kid will never be any good.”