Saints defense teaches lesson

I’m sure many felt the same as I did Sunday if they watched the Saints game – Sorry for the opposing quarterback, but VERY happy for the Saints’ great strategies.

What a fitting analogy can be used here to encourage us forward in our own purpose of life.

Just as Jesus told parables using events of the time, I think he would use football in our day to help us relate to “the Kingdom of Heaven” in our own lives.

The football can be seen as symbolizing our hearts and souls. The whole focus for football players is to be moving forward toward their own goal, to eventually get the ball across the goal line. Should this not be the goal for each of us? Do we really know our purpose in life? St. Paul tells us clearly: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:14). We are all invited to run toward the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father, and there to live for all eternity. (But it is up to us what goal we ultimately choose.)

Just as with football, there are times when the opponent has the ball; are we aware in our lives when the opponent has a hold on our hearts and souls? Are there times when we are discouraged; doubting that we are loved or important to God; caught up in the spirit of the world and sin; or even despairing? In such situations the enemy has a certain hold on our hearts.

What can we learn from the Saints’ defense this past Sunday to help us in our own personal strategies in overcoming the opponent, in order that God can regain possession of our hearts and lives?

The Saints obviously did their homework the week before, examining the enemies’ tactics and finding ways to halt them from moving forward.

Do we do the same in our own lives? Examining the situation, examining our consciences and recognizing loop holes and areas where we allow the world, the flesh and the devil to take control? If we do this, as with the Saints, we can come up with a strategy that will help us overcome the evil and darkness by inviting the grace, light, love and truth of God into those areas.

The key, though, as with the Saints, is to recognize the weak points that prevent us from moving forward. Once we do this and invite God in, we are gaining ground, not only in the spiritual life, but also in every aspect of our lives, because we are becoming who we are created to be: “children of God”… and “heirs to His Kingdom.”

Come Holy Spirit! Enlighten our hearts and minds, that we may know the will of God in our lives and have the grace to move forward in it. Holy Mary, our model, intercede for us that we may truly be the saints we are called to be!

Questions? Comments? Contact Lilla Marie Lottinger at  lillamarie727@gmail.com.

 

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