You can see it. You can imagine how it would feel to run across it. You think of all the cool victory dances you could possibly do. O the glory in that moment!
There's only one problem: the finish line is 12 miles away.
So, obviously there are more important things. What's your strategy for the 12 miles? How do you even approach a race like this?! In my opinion, the world gives us two main options:
1. 
2. 
It would seem, because our God is one of moderation, that the Gospel is telling us something different. Maybe it's just me, but I think we are called to run as fast and as steady as we can. And this was our strategy for the Tough Mudder this last weekend. For success is not measured in quantity ("fastness") alone, nor is it measured in quality ("steadyness") alone. Rather, it is the two together.
And isn't this exactly how it is with our Catholic faith! We can pray 20 rosaries a day like Padre Pio did and still not be remotely close to his level of holiness. We could have a 10 second "wow" moment of God's love for us and never think of it again for as long as we live. So, now you can say it: "What is this guy getting at?"
What I'm getting at is this: We were meant to be intense followers of Christ, intense in quality and in quantity. And it is our brothers and sisters also seeking to grow in a more intense love for Christ that calls us to pick up the slack. This is what makes religious life so beautiful. This is what made our Tough Mudder experience so beautiful...for it was a visible sign of how we, particularly as Christians, are called to inspire each other and call each other on. May you be motivated to do the same this day.
So, today...don't let the smallness of your individuality hold you back! Have the faith of a child and run to the Father's arms!
