February 5, 2010

Today is the celebration of the last of the "winter Virgin-Martyrs", i.e., St. Agatha. We began in November with St. Cecilia (Nov. 22), St. Lucy (Dec.13), St. Agnes (Jan. 21) and today's St. Agatha (Feb.5). All four were martyrs of the early Church and all four are mentioned in the First Eucharistic Prayer of the Mass. From the earliest times their names have been part of what is known as the Roman Canon.

We have also arrived at the secular vigil of what is perhaps the largest non-religious ritual that we have in the United States - the Super Bowl. It is, if you will, a secular "liturgy" with all kinds of symbols. It is the high priests of this liturgy that I am concerned with at times, the PLAYERS.
While not a player, one athlete emerges at this year's national pig skin festival that can teach all a good lesson in moral values. Watch for the ad with Tim Tebow as we are invited to celebrate LIFE.

It was this very life that was sacred to the Virgin-martyrs. They would not compromise their beliefs. They stood for what they believed in, their values.

Sunday's ad during the Super Bowl will ask you to do the same.
Kick-off: 6:25 P.M.