Each year there are apparently over 500 marathons worldwide; one has just taken place in London. These are in celebration of the original event when in 490BC a Greek Messenger ran from the Marathon battlefield to Athens to proclaim their victory over the invading Persians. This event was celebrated for many years following before it fell from people's memories until rejuvenated as a flagship event for modern Olympics. Happily they did not choose the other messenger who ran 140 miles from Athens to Sparta in less than 24 hours with a request for the Spartans to join the coming battle; by-the-way they arrived too late for the battle.
When we hear of or see these marathon races we should remember that we are all taking part in our own endurance race; our own spiritual marathon.
On this marathon we meet obstacles to overcome just as hills and rocks needed to be avoided on the original journey. We also come to crossroads where we need guidance and discrimination on which path to take. And sometimes we go astray and need to retrace our steps to the crossroad. Then there is the baggage and 'clutter' that we carry with us. This holds us back and we learn to shed our load to keep going just as the messenger discarded his armour.
Unlike the marathon however our spiritual journey does not have an end; a winning line. This personal journey is a process, the process of 'becoming', realizing our potential: There is light at the centre of a man of light, and he illumines the whole world. (#24.6-8)
Moving from having and wanting to Being: Become yourselves, passing away (#42)
This is the 'Kingdom' so loved by Jesus and we can have now if we completely commit ourselves to this journey: Let him who seeks not cease from seeking until he finds; and when he finds, he will be disturbed; and when he is disturbed, he will marvel, and he shall reign over the All. (#2)
Any trace of ambition will ruin the journey ('death') therefore our intention must be kept pure: There was a rich man who owned much wealth. He said: I will use my wealth in order that I may sow and reap and plant, and fill my storehouses with produce so that I lack nothing. That is what he thought in his heart; and that night he died. He who has ears let him hear. (#63)
Never cease from this journey: Seek and you will find. But those things that you asked me in those days I did not tell you then; now I desire to tell them but you do not seek after them (#92)
It's hard work and we need to guard against complacency, laziness, and pleasure of easy results: But you, already watch the world prepare for acton with great strength lest the robber should find a way to come to you; because the advantage that you expect they will find. (#21.20-25)
There will be no end to our journey: "let the restless soul wander so it will be ready to continue its journey after the end of this physical body"