Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
In today’s first reading, Paul’s comparison to the spiritual life to sports should have some resonance with many of our Catholic schools, especially those with athletic programs. Paul draws a comparison to the athlete in the arena who realizes that although many run only one wins the prize. As today, athletic games were very popular in Rome, with gladiator teams named after colors receiving the status as sports teams today. Paul calls to mind the training and effort of athletics to that of Christian practice. Play to win, he states, and in this, his thought compares to another great Christian, Vince Lombardi. Vince was quoted as saying that winning is not everything, it is the only thing. Of course, Vince would be the first to say that this dealt with sports and that there was a very clear priority: faith, family, and then football. His eye was on a trophy, but his heart always was in winning eternal life. Paul, reminds us that our faith, like success in athletics, takes some work.