Nike

A meditation for a marathon

Colossians 3:15-17

             Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

            Running is a fascinating phenomenon, because everyone runs for a different reason.  Marathoners are no different, except we’re all a little crazy for wanting to run 26.2 miles, starting with the first marathoner, Pheidippides.  In 420 B.C. he ran from the city of Marathon to Athens to report the Greek victory over the Persians.  He uttered the word, “Nike!” – which means “Victory!” – and collapsed and died.  That’s why we’re here this evening: to pray for the safety of all marathoners.  So that at the end of the race, you, too, can say like Pheidippides, “Nike!” (Victory!) and still go and enjoy your beer.  (It’s okay to say “beer” in a Catholic church.)

            So, let me ask you: why are you running tomorrow in the Fort Smith Marathon?  Some of you may be running as a personal challenge to yourself, a new personal best, which really means you’re running for your ego.  But marathons are not very kind to egos.  My first marathon was in Tulsa, OK, the “Route 66 Marathon.”  I was feeling pretty good till about mile 20, and then the proverbial wheels came off.  As if that wasn’t bad enough, about that time, I was passed by a lady wearing a t-shirt that had written on the back, “You have just been passed by a mother of 8!”  And then, I was passed by her 8 children!  For those of you running in the full marathon tomorrow, leave you ego at the starting line.

            Other people run for the health benefits.  This is actually the marketing strategy of the shoe company ASICS.  Now, before I say another word, I want you to know I’m not getting a kickback from ASICS for saying this!  The name ASICS is actually an acronym, the 5 letters stand for 5 Latin words: “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano.”  Some of you Catholic old timers will know that means, “a sound mind in a sound body.”  Those of you running in the relay and half-marathon will certainly feel the health benefits of running.  Those, however, running in the full marathon will notice those health benefits declining sharply at about mile 20.  That’s why after our fourth marathon, my friends and I call it the “fool marathon,” spelled, “F-O-O-L marathon,” the fool marathon.  Health benefits will not be shared equally by all runners tomorrow.

            Other runners lace up for more altruistic reasons, that is, they run for a “cause.”  I am always inspired by these people.  Some are raising money for breast cancer research, others run in memory of a loved one who has died.  In the 4 marathons I ran, we asked people to sponsor us to raise scholarship money for our Catholic elementary school.  Others run in solidarity with those who run for a cause to show love and support and sacrifice.  I’m especially mindful of all the volunteers who will be “running” all day tomorrow.  They won't wear a number on their shirt, but they will be running all day to make sure streets are marked and water and Gatorade cups are filled.  A heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers, without whom we couldn't finish the race!

            But may I suggest to you another reason to run, a Christian reason?  St. Paul tells the Colossians: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  In other words, a Christian’s main motivation for a marathon is not for his or her ego, nor for their physical health, nor even primarily for a worth-while cause, good as these things are.  Rather, a Christian runs for the same reason he or she does anything else: to give glory and thanks to God.  You see, we should do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, whether we're walking or running, sleeping or eating, reading the Bible or reading the comics.

            Do  you remember the classic running movie, “The Chariots of Fire”?  It’s about two runners: one who ran for his ego and the other who ran for his God.  The second one, Eric Liddell, said in the movie, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast.  And when I run, I feel his pleasure.”  Eric Liddell followed

St. Paul’s advice and did everything in the name of the Lord (he became a Presbyterian minister as well), and because he did that, he always felt God’s pleasure.  That’s my prayer for all of you who participate in the marathon tomorrow, volunteers and runners: do everything in the name of the Lord!  Then, you, too, will feel God’s pleasure, even if you're at mile 20, and even if you’re being passed by a mother of 8 children!

Praised be Jesus Christ!