Aspiring Sister Runs as To Win

Via the combox, I’ve made the virtual acquaintance of Emily, who, like Alicia Torres, has taken up running as a way to help raise money for her entrance into the religious life (hopefully this summer). She is running the Pittsburgh Marathon in May, and she also is one of the beneficiaries of the Run for Nuns — a team of 10 seminarians, deacons, and priests from the Diocese of Pittsburgh who are running the Pittsburgh Marathon to raise funds for four would-be sisters.

Emily has a blog, Run so as To Win, which includes her compelling vocation story and offers some great thoughts on both running and the Faith. Among my favorites is this nugget, which comes from her introductory post:

I think that running is a great metaphor for the spiritual life — Paul was right on when he called the Corinthians to “run so as to win” (I Cor 9:24). Running can be very pleasurable, but it is not always pure joy. However, when one is faithful to a running regime, the benefits become apparent over time. The person who is faithful to running is changed, and becomes physically well. The same holds true for prayer. Prayer can be dry. It can be painful. It can seem like it yields no fruit. However, fidelity to prayer ultimately leads the soul to bring forth great fruit for Christ and his kingdom, and leads to spiritual wellness. It just takes patience, endurance, and fidelity.

What a powerful insight. As someone who has been very disciplined about his running regimen in recent years — and, truth be told, less so about his prayer regimen — I find this both convicting and inspiring.

Of course, I’m also inspired any time I read about those who boldly answer God’s call in their lives. One thing I have loved about maintaining this blog over the last few months is all the running nuns (or aspiring nuns) and running priests I’ve encountered over the net. It truly is springtime in the Church!

To support Emily in her cause, click here, or click here to sponsor the Run for Nuns.