Bread of Life in the Olympics

"For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world" (John 6: 33). 

We heard this gospel passage in mass yesterday.  In listening to the homily and conversing with people about this gospel, I gathered two main points I think are worth sharing.  The first point is actually a question: Where do we find the "bread of God" in our midst on a daily basis?  The second point is a response to that question.  We find the bread of God in the pains, joys, depressions, and motivations of our fellow human beings.  These points affirm for me our need for God's bread from heaven for nourishment regardless of our current state of being.

As I mentioned last week, the Olympic Games reflect the gospel, but more specifically, the athletes, through their examples of fortitude, courage, and sportsmanship, have the ability to be the bread of God in our midst and give life to the world.  Anyone who wins a medal in the Olympic Games has withstood the physical and mental tests that come with training hard to be one of the greatest in the world.  However, many more athletes do not win medals, and their stories of passion and motivation are just as capable of "giving life to the world" as those of the medalists.

One such story comes from a group of women.  This year three countries participating in the Olympics (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Brunei) allowed a combined total of four women to represent their countries for the first time in the history of the Olympics.  Not only are these women bravely venturing outside the gender restrictions on women in their countries, but they are also representing primarily Muslim countries that often face unjust scrutiny based on others' religious ignorance.  These women, regardless of the outcomes of their athletic performances, are giving life to the world through their actions and presence in the Olympic Games.

Another story you may have followed up to this point in the Olympics is the story of Oscar Pistorious who is a double-amputee 400 meter runner from South Africa.  Pistorious has faced much praise and criticism for his efforts to compete on the same level as his "able-bodied" competitors.   Pistorious, who credits his mother as his major influence on his life, was not a "one and done" competitor this week.  He defied the odds and advanced to the semi-finals in the 400m, but the turn around between races seemed a bit too much for him as he did not qualify for the final.  His efforts, though, to succeed not only for himself but for all those who doubt their capabilities, truly exemplifies the bread of God that gives life to the world.  According to Wikipedia, Pistorious' "sporting motto is: "' You're not disabled by the disabilities you have, you are able by the abilities you have."  I hope we can all appreciate our own abilities to leave our mark on others in this world.

Below are a few resources for extra reading/listening.  I heard the song "Hall of Fame" this morning on the Today show, and I think it is a fitting source of encouragement for us to strive to be great so that we are truly giving the kind of life to the world that only comes from God.

New York Times articles:
Countries sending women to the Olympics for the first time

Oscar Pistorious

Youtube song and lyrics:
The Script - "Hall of Fame"

"Hall of Fame" Lyrics

May we be ever-faithful, ever-mindful, and ever-joyful.