No Hobbies

T

I’ve never had a hobby and I hate the concept personally because it makes me feel, like I don’t have any skin in the game.  Maybe it’s just semantics but maybe not.  Passion and commitment, being a part of a “tribe,” some want to say “family” or being “all in;” these are the things that make me want to suit up. But then again, maybe they’re just things that fit an addictive personality.  Hobbies are stuff that you can put down when time doesn’t allow or pick up when the time is convenient.

I was a coach and I expected my players to make a commitment.  That transaction seems like a simple concept to me – If you want to be a player, you want to have a voice, if you want to be taken seriously, then commit.  I knew a frosty haired old coach who used to say this to his team, “The Magic begins when people Make A Greater Individual Commitment.”

I think when Jesus prayed in the garden (John17) he prayed about our connection to each other, the church, the apostles, Himself and to God.  We are called to be Saints! In Mass, when we finish the prayer, “Our Father” the priest always says: “Do not look on our sins but on the faith of your church.”  These words make me feel connected to every Parish worldwide. The Church cannot be put down when time doesn’t allow or picked up when the time is convenient.

This is why our prayers matter so much.  Can you imagine being on a team where no one talked or listened to the head coach?  “Oh, my grandma,” that would be chaos!  There would be no winning on this team and no Saints on the other.  Faith without prayer seems like you would be playing the game without the pitcher, the quarterback, the post or the goalie.  Like playing noon ball but only half-court (that got your attention!).  We are called to be Saints; therefore, we have a position and a definite role to play. We’re important, vital and others are counting on us to perform.  This is not intramurals, let’s face it, our faith without prayer is just a hobby.  Ain’t it so!

Give us a call. Get involved.
There’s an adventure out there to live!