Life Lessons from the Superbowl?

Patrick Dail was one of the retreat planners and sent the following note out to the bocce team members. I thought it was "good" and seemed worth a post. Feel free to add your comments...

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Below is the morning prayer that was read over the P.A. at Fordham Prep on Monday, February 4, 2008 by Director of the Service Program Paul Homer. 4 February 2008 - Giants Super Bowl Victory

Please stand for this morning's prayer:

Today is the Jesuit Feast of the Martyrs of the Mission, but I think these holy men will forgive us if instead we reflect this morning on another great religious theme: miracles in the desert, in particular the one that took place last night in Arizona.

The sports section in recent years has rivaled police blotters for stories that seem to expose the dark side of human nature. Headlines are more likely to feature words like sadism, salaries, and steroids, than they are words like challenge, character, and championship.

But last night's victory by the Giants over the Patriots was filled with moving images and life lessons that reflect sports and humanity at their best.

The Giants game plan reminded us that the hard work of planning and executing can make up for what may be inferior talent. Their total team effort reminded us
that we are at our best when we work for and with others. And it reminded us
that each of us can make a contribution, whether we're a star adored by millions
or a no-name loved only by our mothers.

The play of the defense reminded us that we can do great things when we act with enthusiasm and intensity.

The images of Jacobs and Bradshaw reminded us that sometimes we measure success in inches, and, at other times, we've got to look to burst out of our current environs to seek new horizons.

Manning to Tyree reminded us never to give up even when we're being dragged down, to always use our heads to keep our acts together, and that a Hail Mary is never out of place.

Watching Peyton root for Eli reminded us that, unlike the Cain and Abel story, genuine glory seeks to be shared, not hoarded.

And, most importantly, this year's Super Bowl is a reminder, going as far back as the Tower of Babel story, that it is not for humans to seek perfection; rather, we are called to do the best with we've been given and to ask God that that be enough.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of sports in our lives, for the fun and recreation they make possible, but especially for the values they can teach and the virtues they can instill.

Amen.