On Facebook, I'm always touched when friends post old photos of much-loved grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents who are now with God. Very often you know how hard they worked to take care of their families and their community. Do you know that they know what you're facing in this world, and are praying for you constantly? Cheering you on like the onlookers at every Marathon, half marathon, or 5 K? They are united with you always - that's the Communion of Saints. Catholics believe that all the saints come into our hearts and souls with Christ as members of His Body every time we receive His Real Presence in Holy Communion. What a gift!
The spiritual race is so hard! We struggle, sweat, cry, carrying our daily burdens, taking care of the people who need us, sometimes ready to drop out. We have to take time to listen to our hearts, hear their voices: "Beloved, we did it before you. We struggled to keep the faith. You can make it to the Finish Line too! But remember to take the time to pass your faith on to the next generation, as we gave it to you - it's the strength and discipline your children need to make it to their Finish Lines!"