It may be that there is among you a man or woman, or a family or tribe, whose heart is already turning away from the Lord our God … (Deut 29:18a, NRSV)
OUR STORY …
Padre’s not a golf pro. He’s probably not a life pro either. But he knows a little about theology, and he understands human nature. Maybe that’s why so many guys come to Padre for help with their golf game — and the game of life too.
IT IS WRITTEN …
We have to face the challenges in front of us. That’s what it means to address the ball. It’s also what the Bible means when it tells us not to turn away from God.
Padre knows that it never hurts to bow your head (keep your head down) and bend a knee (be stable and flexible) too. Sometimes the similarities between sports and life can be uncanny.
LIFE GOES ON …
Padre is a popular priest and spiritual director. He understands life, both inside the church walls and outside. The old priest knows the Church is nothing if we don’t take our faith outside the walls into the culture where we live and work. The good news is, it’s not difficult to do.
Historically, believers have understood the evangelization challenge to mean that we have to convert everyone and everything to the Catholic faith. That would be wonderful, but it’s not what’s expected of us. In truth, we can’t convert everyone. Actually, we can’t convert anyone, not even ourselves.
The Psalmist in the Bible says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.” (Ps 51:10; NRSVCE) It’s God’s job to do the work of conversion. What we’re all called and equipped to do is to breathe life into the culture around us.
Jesus is the Way and Truth and Life (Jn 14:6). We are enormously successful when we simply leave the sweet aroma of the Holy Spirit in our tracks wherever we go. Love has an irresistible fragrance. Let love change the world.
COOL2B …
That’s our story and we’re sticking to it. It’s cool to be Catholic. COOL2B!
In Christ.
