FROM THE PULPIT: SPORTS AND RELIGION

The Apostle Paul frequently alluded to the world of sports in referring to his Faith Journey. In Acts (20:24) in speaking to the presbyters of the Church of Ephesus, Paul is recorded as saying, "I put no value on my life if only I can finish my race and complete the service to which I have been assigned by the Lord Jesus." In Second Timothy (4:7), Philippians (2:16) and First Corinthians (9:24), Paul compares his life as a disciple to the running of a race. These references do not prove that Paul was an avid jogger, but they do prove that Christians can learn much from sports.

Today is Superbowl Sunday. The news media have reminded all of us of this fact frequently during the past two weeks. Thousands of people have spent this week converging on New Orleans in order to attend the big game. One newscast that I happened to hear during this past week stated that all hotel rooms within 100 miles of New Orleans have been booked and that incoming flights have no vacant seats. The same newscast talked of other thousands who were still trying to find transportation and tickets to the big event.

While sport events here in Cape Girardeau County may not receive as much hype as events on the national level, they still generate considerable interest as evidenced by having a special section in the daily newspaper as well as their own time and reporter on the local news. In addition to the sports events organized by the local school, park boards and community service organizations also help organize competitive events for young children.

Just as Paul in his day, today's Church members can learn much from the world of sports. Lessons taught by the athletes include the importance of training and practice in order to develop one's skills to their highest fulfillment. Similarly, becoming a disciple of the Lord requires continuous training and practice in order to develop one's capacity to serve. The witness of athletes also show the importance of perseverance and giving one's fullest effort even in the face of seemingly impossible odds.

The spectators at these events teach many of the same lessons. In addition, they show determination by their willingness to make all kinds of sacrifices in order to be present for the event. Some of you may have viewed the recent play-off game that was played in Green Bay in rather harsh weather. The temperature hovered around zero throughout the game and the TV broadcasters noted that no one left early! Yet, some Christians I know would have felt the weather was too harsh to attend services in a climate controlled church building.

But the greatest lesson that church members can learn from spectators at sports events is the importance of enthusiasm and joy. I dream of the day when we will see even greater enthusiasm and joy flowing from our members. I feel this excitement and enthusiasm is what Jesus was referring to in Luke (12:49): "I have come to light a fire on the earth. How I wish the blaze were ignited!"

The relationship between sports and religion is something of a paradox. Ideally, sports can help us be better church members and more committed disciples. On the opposite side, there is also the danger that one's love and enthusiasm for sports can become one's real religion. Jesus warns of this in his famous Sermon on the Mount: "Remember, where your treasure is, there your heart is also."(Mt. 6:21)

MSGR. EDWARD M. EFTINK is pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Jackson