Luke 13:10-17 A time and place For Faith
Jesus was teaching in a synagogue
on the Sabbath. And a woman was there
who for eighteen years had been crippled by a spirit; she was bent over,
completely incapable of standing erect.
When Jesus saw her, he called to her and said, “Woman, you are set free
of your infirmity”. …But the leader of
the synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured on the Sabbath, said to the crowd
in reply, “There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the Sabbath.”
I really enjoy watching our students compete in the various competitions throughout the school year, especially the sporting events. I really do! And I try to make it to as many of them as possible. Right now we are nearing the end of the volleyball and football season. Due to the fact that our volleyball games are on Saturday and our football games are on Sunday, you can understand that, as a priest, it’s not always possible to attend. In fact, it takes a great deal of sacrifice. After all, I too enjoy a little break – some quiet time or alone time – as well.
So it took me by surprise, a few Saturday’s ago, that as I was walking towards the gym to watch a volleyball game, a parent kindly came up to me to tell me that this one particular coach didn’t appreciate my presence at “her” games. As you can imagine, I was shocked. I asked why? I was told that I was a distraction to the kids. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I know the kids want me at their games because they always ask me to be there. I told the parent, “But I think I’m actually helping them!” Well, I walked in and made my presence known and felt by cheering and stomping on the bleachers (only at the appropriate times). The kids loved it and, I guess, “most importantly”, they won.
As a priest, I have attended a lot of catholic school games: basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, even lacrosse! I have to admit though, this was not the first time in twenty years that a coach did not welcome my presence or cheering; but it was the first time that it came from my own school!
You see, the parents and coaches of the opposing teams consider my presence as "an unfair advantage". And often, they come up to me afterwards and say something like: “It was nice to see you at the game, Father. I wish our priest could do the same thing for our kids.”
There are some people in this world that simply don’t get it. They think so much about the “now” that they forget the “later”. What will our kids remember most? They won’t remember the victories as much as they remember the support, the love, the sacrifices, and the commitment that was made for them. Yes, they will never forget the faith we had in them.
The Lord cured the sick on the Sabbath. He healed those who were scared and suffering. He made sure that wherever He went His presence would be felt - regardless of whether or not He was in the synagogue or in the market squares.
There are some people in this world that would love to limit our love, our cheer, our presence, and, of course, our faith. The Lord made it clear: every moment of every day is a God-given moment. We are called to make the most of it.
“Blessed is the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent…He is like a tree…that yields fruit in due season” (Psalm 1).
The love of God and of our faith is a fruit that is never out of season. Every day and every place is a time and place for faith and love.
I really enjoy watching our students compete in the various competitions throughout the school year, especially the sporting events. I really do! And I try to make it to as many of them as possible. Right now we are nearing the end of the volleyball and football season. Due to the fact that our volleyball games are on Saturday and our football games are on Sunday, you can understand that, as a priest, it’s not always possible to attend. In fact, it takes a great deal of sacrifice. After all, I too enjoy a little break – some quiet time or alone time – as well.
So it took me by surprise, a few Saturday’s ago, that as I was walking towards the gym to watch a volleyball game, a parent kindly came up to me to tell me that this one particular coach didn’t appreciate my presence at “her” games. As you can imagine, I was shocked. I asked why? I was told that I was a distraction to the kids. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I know the kids want me at their games because they always ask me to be there. I told the parent, “But I think I’m actually helping them!” Well, I walked in and made my presence known and felt by cheering and stomping on the bleachers (only at the appropriate times). The kids loved it and, I guess, “most importantly”, they won.
As a priest, I have attended a lot of catholic school games: basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, even lacrosse! I have to admit though, this was not the first time in twenty years that a coach did not welcome my presence or cheering; but it was the first time that it came from my own school!
You see, the parents and coaches of the opposing teams consider my presence as "an unfair advantage". And often, they come up to me afterwards and say something like: “It was nice to see you at the game, Father. I wish our priest could do the same thing for our kids.”
There are some people in this world that simply don’t get it. They think so much about the “now” that they forget the “later”. What will our kids remember most? They won’t remember the victories as much as they remember the support, the love, the sacrifices, and the commitment that was made for them. Yes, they will never forget the faith we had in them.
The Lord cured the sick on the Sabbath. He healed those who were scared and suffering. He made sure that wherever He went His presence would be felt - regardless of whether or not He was in the synagogue or in the market squares.
There are some people in this world that would love to limit our love, our cheer, our presence, and, of course, our faith. The Lord made it clear: every moment of every day is a God-given moment. We are called to make the most of it.
“Blessed is the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent…He is like a tree…that yields fruit in due season” (Psalm 1).
The love of God and of our faith is a fruit that is never out of season. Every day and every place is a time and place for faith and love.
I am so sorry that a "coach" is intimidated by Father's presence at the games. I am 66 years old and still remember how our priests and sometimes our Bishop would attend school functions for and with us. Thank you Father for continuing to attend games!
ReplyDeleteI don't think they are intimated. I think they worry so much about the kids performing well. :) I can understand...and remember, they never told me anything. So....I am looking at everything very positive. These stories always seem to come at the right moment for a meditation!!!
DeleteSo will you go to the 8th grade Volleyball game (D1)today at MIS at 7pm I think, I will know more detail after school today.
ReplyDeleteplease :) If you can or not too busy lol! Would love to see you out there cheering for SMS :)
GOD Bless u Father Alfonse :)
YOU BET I WILL BE THERE!!!! :)
DeleteIt was great and wonderful seeing you there! Even though we lost :( YOUR! support counts.That is what I truly believe
ReplyDeleteGood night Father !
Well, that one (singular) Coach has no idea the power your presence (any priests) on our children's lives (not the game). I grew up with a wonderful priest. I was very lucky to have him stay at the school/parish for most of my education at the school AND he married me AND he baptized my oldest son before he died. He was a blessing to my life. Our school kids are craving the presence of faith filled people. You keep making the sacrifice and attending events. I think it is a gift to see a priest on the sidelines. I watched the Notre Dame vs OU game this past weekend and I loved how the camera picked up a priest on the sidelines every once in a while. The majority of us appreciate the presence of our priests.
ReplyDeleteI grew up with a wonderful priest. I was very lucky to have him stay at the school/parish for most of my education at the school AND he married me AND he baptized my oldest son before he died.- :( so sad
ReplyDeleteI hope u stay that long Father.You are really an impact on these children at SMS. U are those special Priest,that stick in our memories, especially mine :)
Father - You are so loved and appreciated. I know that my daughter will always remember you coming to her games. She recognizes your importance to us and we all love you. No one else can pound the bleachers like you(and get away with it)! Thank you for the sacrifices you make for our faith community.
ReplyDelete