The Connection Between Sports and Faith

 
Perhaps you, like myself, are following the FIFA World Cup, which is being played in November and December (instead of the typical June and July schedule due to Qatar’s intense summer heat and often high humidity). I recognize that not as many Americans tune into the World Cup as in most other countries. While growing in popularity in the US, Soccer here still lacks the passionate fans it has around the world. In fact, the World Cup is such an important event in some countries, like Brazil, virtually every place—businesses, schools, and offices—closes during the times their team is playing, so everyone can watch.

One amazing aspect of sports, especially during international tournaments, is how it can (and does) unite a nation. Whatever divisions — ideological, political, racial, economic — plaguing a country seem to dissolve, at least for the month the World Cup is underway. The world is divided even within country borders, yet we see the World Cup bringing harmony, unity, and peace as fellow citizens rally around their teams. 
In 1969, there was a remarkable story of an unprecedented break in a brutal two years of conflict between Nigeria and a secessionist state, Biafra, during a game that included Brazilian soccer legend Pele, and his club team, Santos. For 48 hours, Nigeria and Biafra held a ceasefire, during which Santos drew 2-2 with the Super Eagles, with Pele scoring both goals and receiving a standing ovation from the home fans. The story reached Time in 2005, with an article from the famous magazine claiming that “Although diplomats and emissaries had tried in vain for two years to stop the fighting in what was then Africa’s bloodiest civil war, the 1969 arrival in Nigeria of Brazilian soccer legend Pele brought a three-day ceasefire.”

Raising Awareness

Since the games have the eyes and the attention of the world, these sports events are also opportunities to show opposition to racism, injustice, and discrimination and to promote justice and peace. Athletes like the Iranians wanted the world to know their country is under the shadow of domestic turmoil.

These athletes are using their position as public sports figures to benefit the world beyond themselves. They want to make a difference by using their voices to bring awareness to the plight of those who are suffering discrimination and oppression. These men and women not only inspire us through their hard work and dedication to their sport but also, more importantly, through their actions, expose wrongs and work to help eliminate these evils.

Developing Discipline and Strength of Character

 In addition to the overall theme of unity, here are some additional benefits we experience in both sports and faith; there are some other connections between involvement in sports and active participation in the Catholic faith I’d like to touch upon.

• For a team to be successful, each player must collaborate and support the others playing on the field (or pitch) around them. The old adage, there is no “i” in “team,” is important to remember; you cannot succeed in a team sport on your own. We, as the body of Christ, are called into communion with each other. We are stronger when we are all working toward a common goal of following Jesus and sharing the Good News.
  
  

• Discipline and practice are required as both an athlete and as a faithful disciple. In order to build physical strength, muscle, and endurance, an athlete will repeat whatever action or skill they are trying to perfect again and again, and, yes, again. It is the repetition, the dedication to being the best they can at their sport, that drives them to put in the time and effort; is not God worth at least that same effort?

• The best team players are those who are selfless in their approach to the game. The best players watch out, assist, and root for the success of their teammates. They exhibit fidelity and faithfulness—to practice, to the team, and to the sport. Sacrifice is necessary but is also rewarded – in sport as in life. As St. Paul reminds us, “Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. 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, for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

Yours in Christ,
Bishop da Cunha

The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.

The Bishop of Fall River