Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

There are a few moments in sports that can turn a rock solid atheist into a true believer. We all know of the famed “Hail Mary” pass in football when quite a few of the godless fans utter prayers at the moment that last desperation pass is thrown. We experienced another one of those times last Sunday during the Green Bay Packers game against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Packers, who were totally dominated in the first half of the game, had every Packers fan talking about next season and I imagine that some of the more devastated Packers fans were picking up the pieces to their remote controls after throwing them at their TV screens.

Then, something started to happen, “O Ye of little faith,” the second half was a turn-about for the ages. Was it the novenas being offered by the faithful or was it the heavenly intervention of “St. Lombardi”? All I know is that the impossible did happen. The largest deficit in Packers history was wiped away and the Pack emerged victorious, so miracles do happen. However, that was not the end of the miracle as even with the last second win, the Pack was still behind the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions in the standings.

The Lions had the Monday night game against last year’s Super Bowl champions, the Baltimore Ravens. It appeared that the Lions had won the game, when the Ravens made a last ditch 61-yard field goal in an attempt to secure a Ravens’ victory – everything on the leg of a kicker. It happens in the NFL, but 61 yards?! Fifty yards, 55 maybe – but there are just too many things that could go wrong in a kick of 61 yards.

When the football was booted, it appeared to be drifting right and wide. However, the ball continued straight, just inside the uprights. I even heard of some religious fans who claimed that they saw a guardian angel perched on top of the ball, guiding it through to an 18-16 victory. The Packers, who just hours before were in third place and out of the playoffs, vaulted into second place and a half game behind the Chicago Bears!

The Packers still must beat the Pittsburgh Steelers next week before entering Soldier Field for a truly classic Packers/Bears showdown. Could the miracle continue? Will it be the playoffs or maybe another Super Bowl appearance? Only time will tell, but prayer certainly could help. Those who gave up at halftime should always remember the old adage “it ain’t over till it’s over.” As believers in Christ we also know that there is always hope, especially if we LOVE ONE ANOTHER. 

Note: This blog originally appeared as the December 17, 2013 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.