St. Paul says: “I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose.”
This weekend, we welcome all CYO athletes to 9:00 Mass! We ask God to bless them that they may truly glorify the Lord with their bodies and souls. Looking back at my CYO experience in grade school, the sport I played was basketball. I have to say I fell in love with basketball during those years and in 6th grade I really thought I was going pro! It didn’t take long to realize the truth, but I love the game nonetheless.
The words of St. Paul call us to be of the same mind and purpose and that there should be no divisions among you. Sometimes, in the game of basketball, players can become divided and forget the team work involved in the game. In those moments, what do coaches do? They call for a time out and huddle with the players, reminding them of what is important and how they are to get their heads back in the game.
In the midst of division and struggle in our lives, sometimes huddling together and reminding one another that they are on the same team and of the same purpose can help tremendously. That is why sports can be so important for our youth. They can truly help us learn how to navigate real situations in life. Pope St. John Paul II once said: “Sports contribute to the love of life, teaches sacrifice, respect and responsibility, leading to the full development of every human person.”
Speaking of basketball, come out and support the annual Priest vs. Seminarian Basketball game on January 29, 2023 @ St. Edward High School, Lakewood, Ohio. 7:00pm. There is a $2.00 donation @ the door to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Last year, us priests won and we are looking forward to winning again and teaching the seminarians another lesson on humility. Haha!
Lastly, if you are a man and have love for the game of basketball, please join us on Monday nights @ 8:30 for Men’s Basketball in the Gym. We started playing in December and began with good numbers. Numbers have been low since the holidays. So please come on by and play. It’s a great way to stay in shape and share in the life of the community here.
God bless you all!
Fr. Jeremy
