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 Carlo Acutis died on October 12, 2006 at the age of fifteen. From an early age, Carlo received a tremendous grace from God to take his faith seriously. Though Carlo’s family refused to take him to Church, Carlo, as young as seven, walked to church by himself. He always found it difficult to understand why his family would choose leisure over Church on Sunday. Even before he was old enough to receive the Eucharist, he had a tremendous hunger for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. He read about Eucharistic miracles and was convinced that more people needed to understand the true presence. For this reason, he used his talent with computers to design websites and databases that documented Eucharist miracles and approved Marian Apparitions. Shortly after his diagnosis with Leukemia, Carlo died. A day before his death, he told the doctors that he needed to see a priest to confess his sins, receive holy anointing, and communion one final time. Within twenty four hours of this visit, Carlo passed. Despite dying almost two decades ago, his body is still incorrupt and are venerated by the faithful in Assisi. Carlo’s life demonstrates that no gift of God goes unused. The Lord made use of Carlo’s talents to spread His kingdom. God can do the same with all of your gifts. Will you let him? Also, Carlo shows us that it is possible to be a saint even today. Saint Carlo Acutis, pray for us.