Run with the Saints

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 

This past summer, I decided I needed to start running again. It was high time to get back in shape.  When I lived in Des Moines, I did a fair amount of running, doing some 5k races and even a 20k and half marathon. While running is still not my sport of choice, I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment after a run is over, seeing how the miles added up, and how I feel like I did something to make myself a little healthier (and also justify all the chocolate I love to eat).

What I have found in my off-and-on running career is that it is so much easier to run with someone. Jon and I each ran our first half marathon together. We trained separately during the week, but if we were together on the weekend, we’d do our long Saturday runs together. I also found that I ran so much faster with someone running next to me. When I ran with Jon, I’d trail behind him a little bit, working to keep up with him. In this case, I’d easily run a 9 minute mile. This is something I didn’t think was possible. When I run by myself, I consistently run an 11.5 minute mile, even today. Don’t be jealous of my incredible natural running abilities!

Running a physical race is easier with someone running with you, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that running the race to achieve the ultimate prize of heaven is also easier when you have someone, or a whole host of “someones” running with you.  This heavenly host, this “cloud of witnesses,” this communion of saints, are cheering us on now, supporting us, lifting us up in prayer as we struggle through the here and now. 

This reality that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses is one that I love so dearly about the catholic faith. As members of the church on earth, we are fighting the good fight, pressing onward toward the goal that lies before us: heaven. It’s not easy. It’s exhausting. There are so many forces of evil that try to prevent us from seeking that which is good and true and beautiful, namely, everything that keeps us from fixing our eyes on Jesus. And, often times, these forces succeed, albeit momentarily. 

We sin, we fail, we make mistakes. But we get back up again. All the while recognizing that we do not run alone. We are accompanied by the prayers and intercession of all those holy men and women who have fought our same battles, experienced the same mistakes and failures, and by the grace of God, still attained the glory of the heavenly reward. I love how this line from the Catechism really sums it up: “[The witnesses] contemplate God, praise him and constantly care for those whom they have left on earth…Their intercession is their most exalted service to God’s plan.” (CCC 2683). 

Throughout different times in my life, it has been so evident that different saints have interceded for and accompanied me in a spiritual sense. When I was in middle school and high school, growing in my faith so rapidly, St. Therese was so present, and she’s always stuck with me. When I was a new youth minister trying to figure things out, St. John Paul II kept popping up. When I was struggling with figuring out my vocation, St. Therese was there with St. Rita. Now, as I struggle with certain suffering that accompanies family life, Our Lady of Guadalupe has been a spiritual force giving me hope in God’s plan.  

I can’t imagine my life without the companionship of the saints. I can’t imagine where I would be spiritually without their intercession. And I am so excited to see which holy saints cross paths with mine in the future. 

So, on this Solemnity of All Saints, join me in prayers of  gratitude for this great gift of the church victorious, urging us onward, helping us to persevere in running the race that lies before us and leading us toward the prize of heaven which we long for so desperately.  

For reflection and prayer: 

• Which saints have you felt a special closeness with over the years? Offer a prayer of thanks!
• What are some areas of your life you desire guidance and inspiration? Do a search to see which saint is the patron of this specific cause or problem. Ask for their intercession. 
• Take a few minutes to pray a Litany of Saints, asking these holy men and women to pray for you. I especially love this one by Matt Maher.