Script
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Perhaps surprisingly, in this month of June Pope Leo invites us to pray for the
values of sport. We ask that sport be an instrument of peace, of encounter, and
lead to dialogue among cultures and nations so that they promote values such
as respect, solidarity, and personal growth.
St Paul in his letters often uses images drawn from sport to reflect on the
Christian life. Listen to one example now:
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Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one
receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. Athletes
exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable
garland, but we an imperishable one. So I do not run aimlessly, nor do
I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so
that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified.
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Here Paul focuses on the self-discipline needed in training to become a
top athlete. Can you think of an area of your own life, in sport or
elsewhere, in which you’ve had to exercise self-discipline in this way?
Sport shares with the life of faith the aim of trying to be your best self. In
sport that can be measured by faster times, more points scored, heavier
weights lifted. How do you know in your own life when you’re growing
closer to being the person God invites you to be?
At its best a world-wide sports event, such as this month’s football World
Cup, or the Olympic Games, offers athletes and others the chance to
meet in friendly rivalry with competitors from different nations and
cultures. Recall an event like this that you have witnessed that has
brought people together to celebrate.
St Paul moves easily from the idea of athletes competing for the winner’s
prize, a perishable garland, to our own striving towards the fulness of life
with God. Elsewhere in his writings he recognises this fulness of life as a
gift freely given by God. What kind of image speaks most powerfully to
you about your own approach to the life God offers you?
Speak finally with God about what sport and its values might have to offer
Christian disciples wanting to grow to be more like their master. Are there
gifts or graces that this prayer has highlighted that you want to ask God
for now?
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We end with the words of Pope Leo’s own offering prayer, as a focus for
our life with Christ today:
Good Father, I know you are with me. Here I am on this new day. Place my heart
once more next to the Heart of your Son Jesus, who is giving himself for me and
who comes to me in the Eucharist. May your Holy Spirit make me his friend and
apostle, available for his mission of compassion. I place in your hands my joys
and hopes, my works and sufferings, everything that I am and have, in
communion with my brothers and sisters of this Worldwide Prayer Network.
With Mary, I offer you my day for the mission of the Church and for the prayer
intentions of the Pope and my Bishop for this month. Amen