The only sports team I've ever really followed is the Green Bay Packers. That's due to the fact that I grew up in north-central Wisconsin. I'm back home in Wisconsin now after living in IN, IL, KS, DE, MI, OH over the course of 30 years. The green and gold just look "right" to me.
It was like a welcome-home gift from the Packers that they should make it to the Super Bowl my first year back. And I'm not stupid-- I know they might lose. But I'll watch the game anyway and scream and shout and enter into the whole group experience. People in Wisconsin churches joke that the Packers are the "state religion." And occasionally one hears grousing that church life must plan around the Pack: i.e. avoid after-church events on days when there's a noon kickoff.
But if Jesus was walking the earth today I think he would enjoy the Super Bowl. I have to think he would enter into the human drama of following a team through the season and riding along with the ups and downs of a game. Jesus understood how humans are wired and danced at weddings and cried at a friend's grave.
I won't lead prayers in worship for a Packers victory (though I expect they will be requested!), but I will joyfully be a part of the community experience and enjoy one of the great joys of human life -- being a part of a group endeavor, cheering on my friends -- even friends I know only at a distance.
An experienced pastor looks at life and faith with humor, compassion and a grounding in the Gospel.
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