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Good morning sisters and brothers;

As most of you know I have been training for the last year to compete in a half marathon and eventually a full marathon. It has been quite a physical and spiritual journey in which I have been completely transformed. Running affords me the benefit of synchronizing mind , body, and soul while experiencing a meaningful connection to the great outdoors, God's creation. Running has become a deeply spiritual exercise that has helped me be more prayerful, to think more clearly and to be better attuned to the rhythms and nuances of my physical and spiritual well being. 

Since covid began Nina and I first walked and then ran up and down the Wabash Road, day after day, after day. In the last year we have branched out and have begun running in different locations. I have to start getting used to running on asphalt. 

Last night as I was getting ready to chill out with a cup of herbal tea and a good book, Barrett asked if I wanted to go to Dresden and run 10 kilometres around the track at the local high school. Putting down my freshly brewed cup of tea, I reached for my spanking new running shoes and said " Absolutely." Life is too short to miss out on precious moments like that. As we pulled up to the high school, the parking lot was completely full, and there were hundreds of people sitting around the track waiting for Dresden minor soccer to begin. Barrett suggested we run through the cemetery. 

Barrett did one lap through the cemetery and then left to run through town. The cemetery was completely deserted, or so I thought. It is a well kept and beautiful cemetery that runs along the Sydenham river. It was thankfully overcast with a strong cooling breeze. As I ran, I noticed that the cemetery was full of sounds. Birds of all kinds were singing in the treetops, and squirrels scampered happily, zig zagging through the tombstones. The further I ran, the more comfortable I felt. I was immersed in a sense of peace and tranquility that is difficult to properly articulate. And at about the seventh kilometre I realized that the entire cemetery had become a thin place, where the veil between the earthly and the heavenly was torn asunder. I started noticing the names on the tombstones. There were familiar and unfamiliar ones. Some I knew personally. Some I had buried while I was at the Parish of the Transfiguration. And as I kept running, I thought about how each stone represents a life narrative rather than just a stone cold slab of marble commemorating loss. And if the stones could speak, what stories they would tell. Tales of Christmas past, baptisms, weddings, birthdays and funerals, of joy and heartbreak, all essential components of the human condition. I suddenly did not feel all alone in the deserted cemetery. On the contrary, I felt that I was running in the company of hundreds upon hundreds of people cheering me on as I neared the 10 kilometre mark. I kid you not , sisters and brothers, I was not alone. 

As we were pulling out of the cemetery, I asked Barrett to stop the car so he could take the picture I included in this reflection. 

It looks like me standing all alone . 

But look closer. 

Look with the eyes of your heart. 

I am standing in a crowd. 

Oh, if the stones could speak.

Let us pray   

O God, creator of heaven and earth, grant us a moment to reflect on your gift of this new day. Helps us to see your touch in all that has already happened, and allow us to see that you will be with us as life unfolds .For the tasks you have given us and for the strength to face them, we thank you 

Amen 

Diosito me los colme de bendiciones y alegria 

Paz 

I love you 

John.