I was a huge sports fan as a kid. Growing up in New Jersey I tended to follow the New York sports teams since there were no professional teams in New Jersey at that time. I was especially a big fan of the Yankees in baseball and the Knicks in basketball. But when I settled in the Chicago area I switched, much to the dismay of my brother, to the Chicago Cubs baseball team and the Chicago Bulls basketball team. Now remember, this was in 1976. Neither team was very special at that time. It wasn’t until Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippin was drafted that the team began to ascend to the squad that won 6 NBA titles. The first three championship runs came in 1991, 1992 and 1993. But it was the teams that had the threepeat repeat that were the most interesting. The second three titles came in 1996, 1997 and 1998.
The teams during those years consisted of Jordan and Pippen, of course, but it was the addition in 1995 of Dennis Rodman that added a bit of “variety” to the mix. Rodman was a tenacious rebounder, something the team really needed. He won the NBA rebounding title several years in a row. But Rodman was also a bit on the flamboyant side. As can be seen in the accompanying photo of Rodman in the reflection. His early life was a struggle to say the least. He was one of 28 siblings on his Father’s side. A Father who left him alone with only his Mother to raise him from a young age. He was not especially good as an athlete in high school, being overshadowed by his two sisters in basketball. Rodman’s early NBA career was with the Detroit Pistons where he helped in giving the team the nickname “Bad Boys” for their rough style of play. His personal life featured multiple marriages, bouts with alcoholism and accusations of sexual abuse.
Also on that Bulls team was Steve Kerr. Kerr was born in Beirut, Lebanon while his parents taught Middle Eastern Studies. The family moved to California but his Father returned to Beirut as President of American University. He was tragically assassinated by Islamic extremists while in Beirut. Kerr became a standout point guard at the University of Arizona and, after graduation, was drafted into the NBA and eventually joined the Chicago Bulls in 1993. Kerr went on to lead the Bulls in shooting and was an integral part of the Championship teams. He won championships playing for the Bulls and the San Antonio Spurs as well as coaching the Golden State Warriors to NBA titles. Kerr has been married to his college sweetheart and has three children.
Rodman and Kerr could not be any more different in terms of their early lives, playing careers and personal lives. But for three magical seasons the two were an integral part of a team that made basketball history. Kerr was the shooter and Rodman the rebounder. On the court they were teammates and were part of a group that played almost as one. Radically different but playing in unity. The bizarre feather boa wearing Rodman and the very straight laced Kerr. But they reached the pinnacle of the NBA three times and being hailed as the most dominant team in NBA history.
Today is the feast day of the Apostle Matthew. Or Levi, as he was originally named. Matthew the tax collector. Matthew the sinner. And Matthew the writer of the Gospel with his name on it. And he served as Apostle alongside Simon Peter the brash, argumentative fisherman. And Simon the Zealot. Insurrectionist against the Roman government. Judas the accountant and betrayer. James and John, the “Sons of Thunder” are known for their strong outward temperament. Calling on Jesus to rain down fire on an inhospitable village and also for asking to sit on Jesus’ right and left hands. Nathaniel (or Bartholomew) is seen as the skeptical Apostle as he questions whether anything good come out of Nazareth after Phillip tells him about Jesus.
Many personalities. Many skills. Many gifts. Twelve very different people but all united in one cause. To follow Jesus. And then to spread the Gospel message to the world. A bit more important than even winning 6 NBA championships.
In today’s first reading from Ephesians, St. Paul admonishes the church in Ephesus for apparent division among the believers. He calls them to unity:
I, a prisoner for the Lord,
urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received,
with all humility and gentleness, with patience,
bearing with one another through love,
striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit
through the bond of peace:
one Body and one Spirit,
Paul is not calling them to be clones of one another but he is trying to steer them to unite in the Spirit of God. Each has their own individual gifts:
And he gave some as Apostles, others as prophets,
others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers,
But:
as you were also called to the one hope of your call;
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
one God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all and in all.
It is very easy to look in jealousy at the accomplishments of another. To imagine them as more important. Or, the reverse. To look down on another as being insignificant in comparison to our deeds. But we all contribute to the body of Christ. Whether a good writer, or a good speaker, or one who can effectively administrate, or an organizer, or someone who can effectively labor in the trades (plumbing, construction, electrical, etc. All talents can be used to raise up the Body of Christ. Even if you are a 3 point shooter….or a rebounder.
