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?”

Before the Edict of Milan, the declaration that granted religious toleration in the Roman Empire in 313, it was illegal to be a Christian. In other words, for the first 300 years of the Church’s existence, it was punishable by death to practice the faith. For this reason alone, it truly is remarkable, some may say miraculous, that the Church survived. Rome, the most powerful empire in the world, spent three centuries trying to destroy it and they failed.

In part, Rome failed because they put many of the early Christians to death. While the Roman authorities thought this would intimidate Christians and force them to renounce Jesus, the exact opposite happened. Many people were so inspired by the love and the heroic witness of the first Christians that they wanted to convert. The blood of the martyrs waters the Church. This truth has resounded throughout the ages. The same effect is observable today with the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Church attendance throughout America has skyrocketed since he was assassinated. One such Martyr was Saint Lawrence, the archdeacon of Rome. Lawrence was burned alive during the Valerian persecution in the year 258AD. In his role as Archdeacon, Lawrence was responsible for managing and distributing the Church’s wealth to the poor. Lawrence had a chance to save his life if he handed over some of the Church’s treasure to Valerian. Lawrence agreed to do it. Upon meeting the Emperor, Lawrence presented him with the sick, the lame, the deaf, the marginalized, and the crippled of Rome. He famously said, "these are the Church’s treasures."

Enraged by Lawrence’s audacity, the Emperor issued for him to be burned alive. From the fiery flames, Lawrence yelled that it was time to turn over since he was already cooked through on one side. His humor and unwavering trust in God during his execution inspired even those who put him to death to convert to Christianity.

While we live 2000 years after Jesus Christ walked the earth, it is important to remember that men like Saint Lawrence knew people that knew people that knew people that knew Jesus. In other words, the people that taught Lawrence the faith were only a few generations removed from living with Jesus. The reason Lawrence and his friends died for Jesus is because they knew that every single one of his words was completely true. His witness should get us asking: how is it that the Church outlived Rome? How is it that the Church seems to outlive every empire and modern trend? Could it be that it is divinely inspired? If it is, what does that mean for my life? Saint Lawrence, pray for us!