By Emily Schmid
I often wonder if St. Paul was a runner. He frequently uses the image of running a race in his letters to describe the spiritual journey*. The race he speaks of is our journey toward Heaven — toward union with God, our Father. Anyone who has run a long-distance race understands how fitting this comparison is.
In my more athletic years, I ran a few half-marathons. Each one was a mini spiritual journey in its own right. Training required daily runs to build both mental and physical strength. During the race, the key was to keep my focus on the goal, simply putting one foot in front of the other until I reached the finish line. Afterwards came the rest, gratitude, and joy of completing the 13.1 miles. I never ran to win, but to finish, and to finish well, which is exactly what I believe Paul encourages us to do.
In Hebrews 12, Paul urges us to “persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus…” Perseverance is essential to the Christian life and a defining quality of the
Saints throughout history. We will all face struggles. We will stumble. There will be times when we have to slow down or even walk because our bodies and minds feel weak. Yet, if we keep our eyes on the finish line — remembering that it doesn’t matter whether we are first or last to enter the Heavenly gates — we can press through “the burden and sin that clings to us” (Hebrews 12:1) and complete the race well.
As you run your own race, whether fast or slow, persevere. When you feel weary, what practices help you keep moving forward? When you find yourself comparing your pace to others, how can you re-focus on your own lane and keep your eyes fixed on Him? And when you cross smaller finish lines along the way, how will you pause to give thanks for what God has done? Always remember to keep your eyes on Christ — your coach, your guide, and the “leader and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
*2 Corinthians 9:24-27, 2 Timothy 4:7, Philippians 3:12-14, Hebrew 12:1-2