Super Bowl XXXIX
Yes – it’s over – at least for this year. Super Bowl XXXIX is in the books. The hype, the hours long pre-game show, the scrutiny of each player’s strengths and weaknesses, the swimming pool of Guacamole dip – all done. The sub sandwiches, pizza, chips, salsa, and gallons of beverages – all a distant memory – a stain on the carpet – an upset stomach. The speculation over the half-time show – the wonderment of whether “wardrobe malfunction” will repeat – oh – and who will win the game – all over. Finished – at least for another few months.
Yes, this years Super Bowl was the most expensive party America has seen in a long time. This year’s battle between two football teams was billed as a chance for the New England team to become a “dynasty” – something very desired and rare. The players fought for yards of distance on a football stadium floor. The fans cheered as their favorite team’s fortunes ebbed and flowed. The concessions sold out.
This year’s Super Bowl also paid tribute to the brave fighting men and women of World War II – the men and women who fought – not for yards of turf on a football stadium – but for yards of foreign soil. Their were no referees in WWII – no yellow flags to keep the contest even and fair – so no one would get hurt. The combatants fought, not with throwing balls, but with shooting bullets. The contest was serious – often deadly. No trophy and endorsement contract awaited the victors – just Freedom.
This year’s Super Bowl also paid tribute to the brave men and women fighting around the world today – in Iraq, Afghanistan – for an equally lofty prize – freedom for the people. Freedom so that they can live their life without fear of repression – without threat of arbitrary punishment – with the ability to do or say that which they feel is right and good to do and say. Yes – even the freedom to spend billions of dollars on a sports contest.
This morning we are preparing for another battle – one that is not often recognized, respected or celebrated. There are no TV commercials, spotlights or even special foods associated with our battle. For today we fight against sin and Satan. We battle our foe with all of our might and being. We fight anger – frustration – resentment. We fight against evil thoughts and actions. We fight for our souls – we fight for our children’s souls. We bring light into the darkness. We fight against ignorance. We strive into our classrooms armed with the Power of the Holy Spirit – we know that the victory is already won – that gives us comfort. We strive over concepts our students will need for success in this life – but we know that the most important thing we can do today is point our children to Heaven.
There will be no trophy – no party – only the Freedom of the Gospel – the Grace of the Savior and the crown of eternal Life. God be with us all.
Yes, this years Super Bowl was the most expensive party America has seen in a long time. This year’s battle between two football teams was billed as a chance for the New England team to become a “dynasty” – something very desired and rare. The players fought for yards of distance on a football stadium floor. The fans cheered as their favorite team’s fortunes ebbed and flowed. The concessions sold out.
This year’s Super Bowl also paid tribute to the brave fighting men and women of World War II – the men and women who fought – not for yards of turf on a football stadium – but for yards of foreign soil. Their were no referees in WWII – no yellow flags to keep the contest even and fair – so no one would get hurt. The combatants fought, not with throwing balls, but with shooting bullets. The contest was serious – often deadly. No trophy and endorsement contract awaited the victors – just Freedom.
This year’s Super Bowl also paid tribute to the brave men and women fighting around the world today – in Iraq, Afghanistan – for an equally lofty prize – freedom for the people. Freedom so that they can live their life without fear of repression – without threat of arbitrary punishment – with the ability to do or say that which they feel is right and good to do and say. Yes – even the freedom to spend billions of dollars on a sports contest.
This morning we are preparing for another battle – one that is not often recognized, respected or celebrated. There are no TV commercials, spotlights or even special foods associated with our battle. For today we fight against sin and Satan. We battle our foe with all of our might and being. We fight anger – frustration – resentment. We fight against evil thoughts and actions. We fight for our souls – we fight for our children’s souls. We bring light into the darkness. We fight against ignorance. We strive into our classrooms armed with the Power of the Holy Spirit – we know that the victory is already won – that gives us comfort. We strive over concepts our students will need for success in this life – but we know that the most important thing we can do today is point our children to Heaven.
There will be no trophy – no party – only the Freedom of the Gospel – the Grace of the Savior and the crown of eternal Life. God be with us all.