Running Last

"Sir, will you please run with me?", asked 9-year old Boden Fuchs as Lance Corporal Myles Kerr was about to pass him by during the Jeff Drenth Memorial 5K footrace in Charlevoix, Michigan on August 3, 2013.  The marine, in fatigue uniform and carrying a backpack, obliged and both competitors finished last in their respective divisions.

Winning the race is a natural instinct of man.  “The winner takes it all” is a slogan that teaches that runners up don’t count -- more so losers.   To sacrifice personal glory to help others is a difficult decision for many; and it fascinates us to see people like Lance Corporal Kerr do it.

Jesus shared the parable of the Good Samaritan to drive the point that opportunities happen before our very eyes that require us to be involved. The Samaritan could have simply done what the other passersby did, ignore and move on. But he treated and bandaged the helpless man, took him on his donkey, and had him cared for at his expense.

Such is the challenge we face every day as we race for work, for school, for errands, etc.  There may be people who may be hurt, in pain or helpless.  Often we are too focused on our goal of finishing first what we aim to do, that we fail to see the needy along the way.

If we thought that Corporal Kerr did something heart warming, here is what the Lord has to say to us, “Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”” (Luke 10:37)