Running with a Purpose

By Br. Jose Maria Vera OFM Cap. 

In his letter to the Corinthians, the apostle compares the Christian life to a race that requires purpose, self-discipline, and perseverance. His emphasis is not on competing with others, but on living in such a way that the  goal is reached: eternal life with God. It’s certainly an analogy fitting of an athlete; even though, of course, the apostle Paul was not one. The truth is that his letter strongly emphasizes self-discipline and perseverance. It’s been a few years now since I started running, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that running a marathon requires a lot of self-discipline and perseverance; training again and again, even when there’s no motivation. At first, I started running because I discovered many physical and mental benefits. Over time, I realized that simply competing, and knowing that my body was capable of running for several hours, was already a victory for me.

Although I had heard that many runners often run to process work or school-related stress, for me, running was simply an activity I enjoyed because it gave me energy, and I loved experiencing the well-known “runner’s high.” Beyond that, I had never connected running with my vocation as a Capuchin friar. It wasn’t until 2021, when I ran my first marathon, the Chicago Marathon, that something shifted. During that race, I saw two people in front of me holding hands. I didn’t understand why until I passed beside them and turned to say, “Good job!” When I looked at them, I realized that the younger man was visually impaired. Then it became clear that the older man was guiding him. That moment stayed with me

I finished the race with a deep sense of fulfillment, not only because I completed 26.2 miles, but because the journey had been infused with meaning. It wasn’t until a few days later, while I was in prayer, that the image of those two men holding hands returned to my mind. I hadn’t given it much thought during the race, but in that quiet moment, it came alive with significance. As I reflected, I saw how clearly it symbolized the life of faith: we all need guidance, and we all need to guide others. Just as that young man relied on his companion, so we rely on the Triune God, and in turn, we are called to walk alongside those who are struggling, like the homeless we serve in Milwaukee. That is the heart of our vocation as Capuchin Franciscans, to walk alongside the marginalized and those on the periphery, as St. Francis once did with the leper.

Last Sunday, I had the blessing of running alongside three other Capuchin brothers and a friend from Italy. Together we wore shirts that carried a message close to our hearts, quotes that raised awareness about homelessness in Milwaukee and highlighted the urgent need for continued support of the Capuchin ministries that serve our brothers and sisters in the Milwaukee area. This time, it wasn’t just about finishing a race; it was about making each step count for something greater. Running with a purpose gave the experience a new kind of weight. We weren’t just logging miles, we were bearing witness. Our presence, our shirts, and our effort became a small but meaningful act of solidarity with those who live every day without shelter, security, or support. It was a way of saying: you are seen and you are not forgotten. That moment in 2021 taught me something no training plan ever could: we are not meant to run this race alone. Just as that young man needed a guide to navigate the course, we too need Someone to lead us; especially when the road gets long and the path unclear. And the beauty is, we don’t run this race alone; Christ runs it with us. He is beside us, behind us, and sometimes carrying us. But more than that, He calls us to be companions to others along the way.

We are invited to reach out our hand to those struggling to keep going; to those who are burdened financially, spiritually, or emotionally; and to help them move forward. Whether it’s through prayer, encouragement, direct assistance, or simply showing up in love, we become part of Christ’s guiding presence in their lives. The Christian life is not about how fast we get to the finish line, but about who we bring with us. And when we place our trust in Christ, when we let Him take our hand and also offer ours to others, we discover that every mile, every hardship, every moment of doubt becomes part of a journey, one that leads not just to a medal, but to eternal life. That is the race worth running.

~Br. Jose