Who Do You Play For?

When it comes to magical runs, some of the teams are obvious: Jimmy V and the 1983 Wolfpack, the 2004 “Cowboy Up” Red Sox, and of course the 1980 Miracle on Ice. Though these unforgettable teams played different sports, they all had that “it” factor in common. You know, that thing in teamsports you can’t define, but you just know it when you see it. That competitive edge, that swagger, that sense of belief, that shared identity that makes a group of ordinary men giant killers.

Another thing is clear about the “it” factor.You can’t manufacture or force it. The “It” factor is like the mustard seed in the Gospel. It grows little by little as it is watered by suffering and perseverance. We all know that a team either rises or crumbles when it faces adversity. The same is true in life. Suffering and hardships either destroy us or form us into men of God.

The Saints that protect and represent League Morning Star understood this very well. These men were much like you and me. They too struggled, suffered, and doubted the goodness of God. And yet, through perseverance and most importantly the power of God’s grace, they became men that stood in the breach and led culture changing initiatives. Their lives demonstrate the victory of God in every age and that holiness is possible for ordinary men. Take a look at the descriptions below. Afterall, you need to answer Herb Brooks’ perennial question, “Who do you play for?”

Saint Bartholomew was one of the original twelve Apostles. He is also known as Nathaniel from the account in Saint John’s Gospel. Bartholomew, like ten of the original twelve Apostles, was martyred for the faith. He traveled as far as India preaching one thing, the historical reality of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Bartholomew is often depicted in art holding a knife and his droopy skin. This is because Bartholomew was flayed and beheaded by King Astyages, the king of modern day Armenia. Bartholomew’s witness demonstrates that the Church was not always influential or on the winning side of history. In fact, for the first 300 years of her existence, it was illegal to be a Christian. Yet, all of the apostles and followers of Christ risked it all to preach the Resurrection. This raises the simple question, why would they do this? Is it possible that they really saw the Resurrection? Are the claims of Christianity a historical reality? Did they actually happen? According to the Gospels, Bartholomew was called by and followed Jesus. Do you think he saw his Resurrected body? Why else would he travel the world spreading this news risking his life every step of the way? It was illegal to follow Jesus. He had nothing to personally gain in this world from doing this. Would you die for a lie? Saint Bartholomew, pray for us.