Grace at the Race

I’m not sure why this is a problem, but it is. The Los Angeles Marathon is on Sunday, and that seems to be a cause of hardship for 14 houses of worship located on or near the course. The L.A. Times has a story about this difficulty and the way different congregations are coping with it, with solutions ranging from relocating services to canceling them entirely.

Yet it seems that with some creative course-shaping, shared parking, shuttles, and, if need be, some rescheduled services, this ought to be workable. There may be some inconveniences, but with intelligent planning, they ought not be insurmountable. Every other city of appreciable size in the United States manages to host at least one marathon a year without sabotaging the Sabbath.

While some churches complain about the potential loss of collections and worshipers, they should look at it this way: What a great opportunity for evangelization! Offer special Masses for runners the night before, or early on the morning of the race, or afterward. Station the faithful in front of the church to hand out water, bananas, and sunscreen to runners-by. Have the choir sing hymns. Post banners with words from Scripture. Host adoration inside the church, with members of the congregation offering prayers for the physical and spiritual well-being of the runners. Get the priest to sprinkle holy water on racers and offer blessings for whoever wants them.

Some 17,000 people who might never so much as think of the Faith will be coming by this Sunday. Many will be feeling weak, tired, and lonely — which is, for most of us, the time when we are most disposed to hearing God’s call. Here’s a chance to reach out to them with the love of Christ.