Praying for the Playoffs?

Homily Epiphany 6

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Montreal apparently wants to offer divine intervention for the Montréal Canadiens.

The Archdiocese placed an ad in Montreal newspapers this week, encouraging people to pray for an eight-place finish — and a playoff spot —for the Montreal.

The ad shows the Eastern Conference standings with every team listed except the Canadiens. In eighth place, the final playoff spot, it simply says, “Let Us Pray.”

It’s a lighthearted, but serious attempt to connect the Catholic
Church to the other religion in Quebec, and elsewhere in Canada, hockey.

It is no coincidence that the jersey of Les Canadiens is called “La sainte flanelle” (the holy flannel). Following Les Canadiens is a serious matter. One fan has literally created a Habs “temple” in his house, with the appearance of a Catholic church, complete with altar, the centre of which sits a replica Stanley Cup.

I hate to disappoint the Habs faithful, but as St. Paul reminds us today, only one competitor can win in any competition. So the important thing is how you play the game—trying to do your best whatever the outcome.

As a Leafs fan I’ve had to remember that ever since the glory days, back in the 60’s when my beloved Maple Leafs won four Stanley Cups in six years.

Paul might have something to say to this year’s edition of the storied Canadiens. In today’s reading he reminds us that in a race all runners must compete, but only one receives the prize.

So while Les Glorieux may have had more success than any other team in North American professional hockey, they can’t rest on their laurels. Despite the prayers of the Montreal Archdiocese, they will have an uphill battle to make the playoffs.

The paradox Paul highlights is that all must run the race in a way to put themselves in a position to win. But only one succeeds.

The lesson for us as Christians is that while we won’t always win the race, we are ultimately seeking the prize which is imperishable—the chance to live in eternal oneness with God our creator and redeemer.

This isn’t pie in the sky by and by. Paul urges us not to run aimlessly, beating the air, but to exercise self control, and serve others.