The Old Testament has relatively few references to athletics. Sports were uncommon among the Jewish people. They saw such events as foreign and unseemly. This was a clash of cultures between Jewish and Greek. The word “athletics” is a Greek word meaning “to compete for a prize.” The most famous athletic contest in the Greek world was of the course of the ancient Olympian games, held every four years at the base of Mount Olympus. Athletes competed for a prize that was nothing more than a wreath of leaves of a laurel tree.

St. Paul was a Jew, but not from Palestine, rather from what is now the country of Turkey. He spoke Greek and had an intimate understanding of Greek culture and especially the Greek athletics

We hear about that in todays first reading from his Second Letter to the Christians in Corinth, his favorite community: “Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. Thus I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing. No, I drive my body and train it.”

Significantly, Corinth, which was some 300 miles south of Mount Olympus, was the site of games similar to the Olympics. They were called the Isthmian Games, held a year before and a year after the Olympics.  

Near the end of his life, St. Paul summarized his ministry in a letter to his disciple Timothy: “ . . . The time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

For Paul, athletic discipline and faith are inseparable. Each enhances the other.

This is why we have Mass before a game; why you have prayers in the locker room and on the field. And beginning tonight, there will be public prayer in the stadium before the National Anthem.

You are aware of a national debate about male violence against women. It is particularly focused on the NFL, on college sports and even in high schools.

Such violence begins in adolescence. Which is why we are particularly proud of our athletic programs at BK. Out mantra of “body, mind and spirit” is not an empty slogan. We believe it is the only way a person can become a fully healthy, integrated adult. As St. Paul was aware, it is also the reflection of a healthy follower of Christ.

What truly matter in life is the achievement of a good character. The ability to do one’s best, to support one another in victory and defeat and to be humble and courteous to everyone, regardless of who they may be.

You have begun the season well. You are well trained, well coached and all the elements of sportsmanship are in order. But discipline is never arrogant and takes nothing for granted. Getting ahead of oneself is always a prescription for defeat. You are not finished yet. Keep the Faith. The race is not over.

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