A Runner’s Thoughts: “As every runner knows, running is about more than just putting one foot in front of the other; it is about our lifestyle and who we are.” (Joan Benoit Samuelson) Again someone who reflects on running also tells us about faith too. Faith is more than putting one foot in front of another, more than just going to mass. It is about a lifestyle, a way of seeing the world, not through just our own eyes but through the eyes of God. Faith is who we are. It is as a part of our life as taking a breath.
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A Runner’s Thoughts: “I run because it's my passion, and not just a sport. Every time I walk out the door, I know why I'm going where I'm going and I'm already focused on that special place where I find my peace and solitude. Running, to me, is more than just a physical exercise... it's a consistent reward for victory!” (Sasha Azevedo, actress) I think this quote from Sasha Azevedo not only helps us to understand running but also faith. We believe not because we were born into a religion, a faith community but because we have a passion for our relationship with God. When we wake up in the morning we might not know where we are going or what the day will bring but because we believe, because we have faith we are ready to face the day. Throughout our journey we look for places of solitude and peace, perhaps when we run. We also look for places of love and community. Faith is more than just an obligation…it is our breath, our way of life!
A Runner's Thoughts: “How you do anything is how you do everything.” (Kristin Armstrong) So make your run, your walk, whatever your movement today about life, about the impossible becoming possible, about taking advantage of God's presence in your life!
A Runner's Thoughts: As we run, walk or move through life another way today let us think of the impossible made possible through hard work, dedication and the pray that we allow our runs, our walks, our movement through life to become a gift from God.
A Runner's Thoughts: “No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helps you.” (Wilma Rudolph)
A Runner’s Thoughts: Whether you run, walk or move through life another way – “Take a deep breath, look at the big picture, and take it one day at a time.” (Sabra Harvey)
A Runner’s Thoughts: “You can run full speed into a door that is closed or you can pull back just a little and go through the open door.” (John Bingham) So let God help you find that open door… Feel the touch of God in your run today no matter if the run is a struggle touched with pain or strong and life giving!
A Runner's Thoughts: When you run, walk or move through life another way do it mindfully – when you run, walk or move through life another way, make it your prayer. Remember that each run, walk or movement through life is a quest for a connection with God!
A Runner’s Thoughts: In the first reading (Isaiah 40: 25-31) from today’s mass Isaiah writes, “They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint ….” As I read these words this morning I could not help but think about running, walking or moving through life in other ways. I don’t know any runner, except maybe the elite runners who when starting out on a training run or a race does hope that they will run and not grow weary. It is the vision of every runner to run strong and to finish. It is the vision of any person who runs, walks or moves through life another way.
It is the hope of every person of faith to live life to the fullest, to remain strong and faithful and to finish. St. Paul tells us to run life focused on the finish line. We need to always look ahead not behind. Pope Francis always has us looking ahead and challenges us not to grow weary in our service as a Church to the poor, homeless, and the hungry. Running, walking, moving another way are wonderful metaphors for life. When we run, walk or move through life another way, we are reminded of the challenges of life but also the gifts of life. As Isaiah says, “They that hope in the Lord, will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.” Running, walking or moving through life another way are about having hope, faith is about having hope and in each case hope leads us at time to making the impossible – possible! A Runner’s Thoughts: As we prepare to run, walk or move through life another way today or any day, as we stretch our muscles getting them ready for the journey ahead. Let us imagine that we are also stretching our spirits and giving our spirits, the flexibility needed to encounter God. Each time we take the time to stretch we are also taking the time to pray!
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Fr. Paul R. Fagan, C.P. "Preacher on the Run!"A thought from time to time about Running and Life! Archives
May 2023
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