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?”

Isaac Jogues, who lived from 1609 to 1646, was a Jesuit missionary sent to North America to preach the Gospel to the Native Americans. He was the first saint in North America. Much like Francis Xavier, Isaac Jogues learned several languages and lived in utter poverty to bring the love of Jesus to the people he was sent to serve. Jogues was met with much animosity by the Huron and Mohawk Indians, the major tribes in what is modern day upstate New York and Canada. In fact, the Mohawks resented Jogues and the Jesuit missionaries that they captured him and chewed off his fingers so that he could no longer offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Because of this, Jogues was sent back to France. He petitioned the pope for permission to return to North America. He felt that his work was not done there. Shortly after his arrival, he was murdered by the Mohawk tribe because he refused to renounce the faith. Shortly after his death, many people converted to Catholicism. The life of Isaac Jogues shows us that the blood of the martyrs is what grows the Church. Saint Isaac Jogues, pray for us!