Marathon Running

"Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce the news to his disciples.  And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them.”  This is the beginning of today’s Gospel, and it’s quite appropriate for Patriots Day and the Boston Marathon.   Hordes of runners will race, or simply run 26 miles to the finish line.

We’ve just run our short “marathon” called Holy Week, and all of us made it to the finish line on Easter.  We all ran a good race to announce the news that Jesus has risen.   Jesus met us along our way and greeted us at the checkpoints we call Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil.   

Jesus also made it to the finish.  In fact, on Good Friday his last words were, “It is finished.”  Of course, he went beyond our marathon to rise and carry on with all of us serving as his modern day disciples.

Carrying on requires enthusiasm, drive, and a refusal not to give up despite the obstacles and the hills we call heartbreak.   Throughout our Easter Season, let’s remember there are many more miles to run, and Jesus sets the pace.  We just have to keep up knowing if we fall, he’ll pick us up.

Deacon David Pierce