In light of the summer Olympic games , I'd like to draw some comparisons between this past Sunday's Gospel, John 6: 1-15 (the multiplication of the five loaves and two fish), and the spirit of determination found throughout the Olympic games. In the Gospel story, Jesus asks his disciples to help him gather food for the crowd so they will not go hungry. The disciples are doubtful that this could happen, but one boy gives the five loaves and two fish that he has to help. As a result of his giving, the people are fed, and there are enough leftovers to fill twelve baskets.
Keeping in mind the primary characters of that story (Jesus, his disciples, and the boy), see how the Gospel comes to life through the "characters" found in the Olympic games. Jesus represents the coaches who work hard to teach their athletes and mold them into great competitors. The disciples, then, represent the people who have trouble believing in the coaches' ability to help those athletes succeed as well as those who may even question the athletes' reasons for training in the first place. Lastly, the boy represents the athletes who give their talents and efforts or "loaves and fishes" so that their coach can help them and their team mates blossom. When athletes trust and believe in their coaches, they tend to get more out of their sport than they ever could have imagined in the first place. This is where their "twelve baskets of leftovers" come in to play. In light of this, I would say that these athletes then have an obligation to share their "leftovers" with others so that the Spirit of the Olympic Games, which is one of humility, honor, pride, and unity, continue onward.
The similarities between the Gospel and the Games can be quite inspiring if we allow our spiritual imaginations to embrace the beauty of this Gospel story that we continue to watch unfold throughout the remainder of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. Remember, the Spirit moves where it will and can be found anywhere in which we take the time to look.
May we be ever-faithful, ever-mindful, and ever-joyful.
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