Friday September 9th in Ordinary Time

Last Saturday was the start of the College football season. I worked five hours at my part time job and raced (figuratively) home to watch my favorite team’s first game. American College football is not about money but the glory of winning. Most of these young men and women will never go to the Pro’s but will go on to be academic and moral leaders of our country. They will become parents, doctors, nurses, lawyers, accountants and scientists. They are the future leaders.

The game was not boring or one sided. Both teams were equally matched and the scoring advantage shifted many times. The final minute of the game was the most exciting. The opposing team was on the 7-yardline and about to score. If they had kicked a fieldgoal they would have only tied the game. Of course, they went for the touchdown. They wanted to win. With less than a minute to go the opposing quarterback threw the ball. However, it was intercepted by a defensive player on the opposing team. Game over. My team won.

Saint Paul writes in our first reading today, Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one (crown). Thus I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shodowboxing. No I drive my body and train it for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.

I am too old for anything but armchair sports but spiritually I am in training. Just like the runner, training takes discipline. My discipline starts with prayer every morning. I never pray for myself but intercession for others. My prayers include praying for salvation and the spiritual and emotional healing of those that I pray. Life is not about me but others and how to love them. My prayers continue during the day as I examine my conscience and run that spiritual race to heaven. Training is a habit. It must be regular and constant. It is the only way to improve. In addition, my day is embellished by taking every opportunity I can to receive the sacraments.

Jesus tells us in the Gospel reading for today. “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.

We all are ” in it to win it “. Heaven is a big. It is full of those who won the race. The training we do through prayer will produce that imperishable crown for those we pray and for ourselves. My ex-brother-in-law used to preach, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall… Practice, Practice. I say, training, training . We are all in it to win the imperishable crown. We want everyone to win the crown.

God Love You Always

Bob Burford

PS: Please pray for peace in the Ukraine. Also pray for Cancer victims and their caregivers.

About the Author

My name is Bob Burford and am married to my lovely bride, Anna. I am a cradle Catholic and worship at Church of Saint Mary's in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I am active in the Knights of Columbus and praying where the Lord wants both of us to serve in our new faith home. College degrees in Economics and Accounting. My wife and I have eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Love Pope Frances and proclaiming the Word of the Lord in my life! Please pray for all the Ukrainian people. Pray for their salvation and physical and emotional health.

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11 Comments

  1. We must strive to earn the imperishable crown as in the words of St. Paul. With and by loving others, as you put it, we can achieve that. Thank you for the master piece.

  2. Thank you Bob. After reading this I feel like preparing for a competition…spiritual competition that is. These are encouraging words giving us purpose and drive. Ok it’s back to training…preparing to win. Peace my brother.

  3. Thank you Bob. I do appreciate your insights…. And pray for you, Anna and all people with cancer and their caregivers, as well as the people as those involved with the war in Ukraine.

  4. Yesterday Queen Elisabeth won the race! She gave a life of service and wore her crown here on earth, may she like Jesus be our example and put us in the race to eternal happiness. God’s speed!!

  5. Thanks for a truly wonderful reflection, Bob.

    Thanks also to all who pray for those with cancer and for those whose cancer is in remission. Ask God to cure all of those with cancer and for those with cancer in remission pray that they not get a reoccurance. Your prayers are a great comfort.

    As always a good weekend and a blessed Sabbath and day of rest to all.

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