Saints and the New York City Marathon
Hebrews 12: 1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
All Saints Day means November has arrived. And November brings crisp mornings, the
crunch of painted leaves, pumpkin pie and the New York City Marathon. Now the idea of freely choosing to run 26.1 miles baffles me. Running any distance for recreation confounds me. To clarify, exercise and sports are good, which often require running but ‘just’ running for me is more of a threat of punishment than enjoyment. That said, I genuinely look forward to watching the New York City Marathon. Our convent in Spanish Harlem is located at 113th Street and Second Avenue. One block east, the runners run north on First Avenue and miles later they return running south on Fifth Avenue to the finish line in Central Park.
I have my routine. Firstly, I walk to First Avenue and try to cheer on the few who are still jogging, walking and limping along. The spectators are few but provide needed encouragement to keep going. They are two-thirds done but still have another nine miles to go. There’s a bandstand at that distance to rouse the runners with energetic and fun music.
Then I walk four blocks west to Fifth Avenue standing at the northeast corner of Central Park. The scene here always brings me to tears. Hundreds of spectators line the street, and the runners fill the Avenue. This point marks the last three miles. I learned quickly not to shout “three more miles!”, but rather “you’re almost there!” I’m deeply amazed by why these people are still going. Most of them have printed on their shirts their names and/ or the reason for which they are running the 26.1-mile course. “For M.S. patients. For Autism research. In memory of a loved one who died of cancer. For hurricane relief.” The most effective encouragement is calling the runners by name or reminding them of the higher goal beyond the finish line. “Keep going Cheryl, all those with Autism thank you!” “Jose, we’re so proud of you and †Danielle is too!” By this point, the tears welling up in my eyes breach their dam and begin running down my face.
I can’t help but think of the canonized Saints, all the saints and holy souls who are with us, who are for us, and who desire to encourage, strengthen, guide and teach us how to keep running the race all through life, across the finish line of death and into eternal life. All the saints, canonized or not, young or old, rich or poor, sick or healthy, educated or illiterate, married, single, priests or religious, preserved from serious sin or converted from mortal sin, can relate to us and our circumstances. The saints are living in the glorious presence of God. Yet, mysteriously they are not fully happy. They deeply desire to encourage and assist us to reach heaven that we may join them in the magnificent, eternal presence of God.
This November, let us ask our patron saints, favorite saints, all saints, and the holy souls who suffered and struggled like us, yet persevered to became holy, to intercede for us. May they cheer us on to the eternal finish line until we enjoy the glories of heaven which no eye has seen nor ear has heard what God has ready for those who love Him.
Sr. Elizabeth, CFR
