Life is a journey. It is also a race, often to nowhere. That's the danger — of dissipating precious energy — and we need to overcome this tendency.
We run 24x7, out of breath, complaining the lack of time, as we rush from one useless pursuit to another, neglecting to turn our energies within.
However, there are those who run towards a positive goal or mission, widening the distance between the runner and sources of violence that can destroy.
In metaphorical terms, we run two kinds of races: the race of the violent and the evil, where all energy and time is directed to destroy others and the other race, where energies are marshalled in pursuit of truth.
Running is part of sports and adventure. It is also a part of life. When we feel impelled to reach a goal, metaphorically speaking, we run towards it.
We hasten towards a good situation to bring it to fruition. We run when we are joyful, victorious or triumphant.
Running away from something is important when what we're fleeing is nasty, whether people or situations. For running is also a protective device, helping us avert danger — physical, psychological or social.
When faced with violence, our first instinct is to run and hide. That is why violence and the act of running are closely linked.
When violence is social, its manifestations are often ambiguous. Sometimes, the violence is overt and at other times, covert. In both cases, our basic instinct to protect ourselves is to run.
When violence is at the personal level and it is directed against us, we make a personal choice to hasten away from what would destroy us.
Our protective antennae can pick up negative vibes that are sometimes directed at us. Some people move into battle mode when this happens. Others quietly remove themselves from the situation.
When we are inspired by God, He comes to our aid; He gives wings to our feet. The Book of Isaiah says: 'Those who hope in Yahweh will put on wings like eagles.
They shall run and not grow weary". Running here is closely linked with hope — the hope that comes from living a clean life, hope that flows from authentic living, hope that comes from serving others, and hope that rests in finding the living God.
The fact that people run races and marathons, sometimes to signal personal victory, sometimes to raise funds for benevolent causes, shows how deeply the idea of a race is embedded in our lives.
When we see images of people from all walks of life running together it does inspire a build-up of collective solidarity.
So racing is not confined to Formula One car racers; it's not only about the endeavour to promote physical or technical excellence.
Running or racing can have all these aspects and more. There are those who run to achieve goals far worthier than mere personal glory —and the race is inward rather than outward.
Still others run the race thinking that the race itself is the end. Others run to accomplish the tasks and responsibilities that life has given them in a selfless and generous way.
How many of us, at the end, can say, as did St Paul: 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith"?