Tim Tebow and John 3:16

Tim Tebow is the sensation of the NFL season. He adds an excitement that is...well...supernatural? In Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Bronco's quarterback threw an 80 yard pass for a touchdown in overtime. It was one of the most watched playoff games ever.

During his college career Tebow gained attention (and criticism) for wearing an abbreviated scripture sign for John, chapter 3, verse 16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that those who believe in him may not perish, but may have life everlasting." After Tebow's games Google often received millions of hits on John 3:16. The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) put an end to quiet evangelization in 2010 when they passed what's come to be called the "Tebow Rule" banning messages in eye paint.

Well, there's more than one way for the Lord to get his message out and on Sunday, Tim Tebow was working with St. John at his side. He had 316 passing yards in the game and that accomplishment is all over the internet with headlines like Tim Tebow drives search for John 3 16.  I particularly enjoyed this paragraph from a Washington Post article:

Tebow’s line in the Broncos’ 29-23 overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers — an eerie 316 yards passing on 10 completions for a 31.6-yard average — means, once again, that supernatural significance is being assigned to a mere football game, with the Good Book trouncing the playbook.

Yes indeed, the Good Book should always trounce the playbook.

I'm not generally a football fan, but I will definitely be watching Saturday's playoff contest between the Broncos and the Patriots. What will happen when an all-American Christian quarterback faces the Tom Brady, the quarterback with the playboy rep. (Hopefully marriage has settled him down.) Tim and Tom squared off earlier this season with the Patriot quarterback leading his team to victory. But the real victory isn't on the football field and, win or lose, Tim Tebow is a champion at the only game that really matters, LIFE. Go, Tim!

Got Hope? No? Check out this blog!

Despite all the bad news, I find myself filled with hope these days. Why? Because generations X and Y (the birth ages my kids fall into) are picking up the sword of the spirit, the word of God and fighting for the faith. Here's one delightful example, a blog started by my daughter-in-law Martina and a group of her Catholic Facebook Friends. The blog, Catholic Sistas, has numerous contributors, most Catholic mothers of young families.

They understand social media and are using it to spread the good news. They know how to network for good. They remind me of all the communities St. Paul wrote to wrapped up in one and joined electronically. Their blog covers all things Catholic. You find women celebrating big families and some mourning over infertility and child loss. They share serious issues and just for fun stuff. Some home school, some are working moms. They ask for prayer and they offer perspectives on faith issues. And they do it all with such style. The blog only started a few weeks ago and already they have had 5600 visitors, many leaving comments. What a wonderful support group these ladies are for each other and for women in the Church. They reflect the dignity of women Pope John Paul II talked about in his encyclical.

 

I am so proud of all my children who have unique gifts and talents that they use so well. And I'm proud of my younger, much younger, "sistas" in the Lord who I know will touch many minds and hearts through their on-line friendships.

 

Do yourself a favor and go mingle with the sistas awhile. It will renew your hope and lighten your heart.