Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Parishioner,

Happy Holiday! I often use that greeting on Super Bowl Sunday. People laugh, but we all know that it is true. Things seem to shut down for a day as everyone is distracted by the football game. I read where so many people call in sick on the Monday after the Super Bowl that companies are just considering giving people a three day “holiday” weekend.

Now there is nothing wrong with distracting ourselves and having fun. I have watched every Super Bowl since 1967. Certainly, it is appropriate to watch an athletic contest. I am sure our Lord was involved in social events back in the days that he walked the earth. Celebrations were a part of village life in Biblical times. Such activities distracted the poor from the drudgery of life. Human beings need to play at times.

It would seem, though, that in modern times our sports have become our religion. A football stadium now routinely costs over a billion dollars. Tax payers foot the bill at times even though they might not be sports fans. If the church wanted to spend a billion dollars for a house of worship it would thought to be excessive. In my opinion it would be, but to spend a fortune on a sports venue is considered a good business investment. Somehow it seems like priorities have become skewed. I think about that now that I have become more mature. Maybe I am just an old curmudgeon or perhaps I am a little wiser than I was at twelve.

Enjoy the game on this Sunday, the Sabbath day. But let’s not forget who gave us this day to rest and recreate. In fact, let’s remember who has given us every good gift. If you are reading this you have a sense of what is most important in life. Let’s not be afraid to tell others why God is number one in our life and to remind them how fortunate we are to live in a wealthy peaceful country just like we easlily remind others about who our favorite team is.

Blessings,

Fr. Mark