In this weekend's Gospel lesson (Luke 5:1-11) Jesus calls Simon Peter to a kingdom way of looking at the world. I made the sermon assertion, "The Super Bowl offers the epitome of a worldly perspective of culture." It celebrates winning, success, material possessions, etc. And I invited you to experience this crowning cultural event, game, commercials, The Who and all, and then reflect here regarding your reactions.
So what did you think? Was it possible to keep your kingdom glasses on and still experience the game? How would Jesus have reacted to the display of values this evening?
Share your thoughts.
Pastor Joe
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What struck me after the game ended is what a wonderful father Drew Brees must be. All of the rest of the team was celebrating, dancing & grabbing at the trophy, as Len Dawson attempted to get to the stage...what an unnecessary struggle...why wasn't there someone clearing the way for Len? In the midst of all of the revelry...there was Drew holding & kissing his son with tears in his eyes. What an excellent example of a father's true love in the midst of the confusion & noise. His son had ear protectors and his father's loving arms surrounding him...keeping him safe. What a wonderful thought...that in the midst of all the confusion & noise surrounding us, our Heavenly Father is clearing the way for us to help us through our struggles as He is holding us close & keeping us safe. Thank you Lord!
02/08/2010 10:39a
By Assel, Tom
I was also struck by the image of Drew Brees holding his son amidst a sea of cheering fans and confetti. I was a bit preoccupied during the game, but the commercials and commentary I did manage to see struck me as materialistic, but no more than what seems commonplace on television these days. Some of them were funny, and some of them were idiotic. Most of the things (probably all of the things) being advertised, and the way in which they were advertised, was of course not in keeping with what I believe to be our purpose as Christians here on Earth.
02/09/2010 07:51p
By Allen, Jane
I remember the early Superbowls (that's a scary thought!)that were held in mid-January! But I'm admittedly a fickle game watcher, and so this year, I watched highlights of the game (more than I've done the past couple of years) and once in a while, caught a commercial or two while spending most of my time watching the Sound of Music. I love a good game now and then, but I've been disillusioned by college and professional sports. There is so much emphasis on wealth, and social elitism-the salaries of college coaches far exceed those of the presidents of the institutions of higher education - is that a disconnect? Anyway, a friend's cousin played for Buffalo many years ago, and when he retired in his mid to late 30s, he was so physically damaged that he couldn't sleep like most of us, on a bed, laying horizontally. And we celebrate this destruction? Still, in the midst of overly zealous passion for a game, I believe there are glimmers of God's vision of the Kingdom. While so many are focused on money, power, attention, winning at all costs, or fame, there are also many faces out there who are hugging their children, or using the event to find ways to help those less fortunate. There is a lot to be said for taking something and turning it around, maybe even upside-down, to find a way to show the vision of the kingdom. Just a random thought...
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08/27/2010 04:00a
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