On This Holy Day of Obligation

In ancient civilization games were held to honor and please the gods. Some of these societies had other traditions that we have carried forth to today, such as bringing a decorated tree into our homes.This winter solstice celebration was a time to give thanks for the worst of winter would soon be behind. Spring would arrive. It was at this time of celebration that beer and wine, that had been fermenting was now ready to drink. Most livestock had been slaughtered so it wouldn't have to be feed over the winter months. Food was plentiful. It was a hedonistic time. The faithful worshiped and praised and sang.

As with other religious celebrations and institutions you have those that are dedicated and faithful. These faithful attend every service, never miss a sermon and can name all the saints, martyrs, commandments and recite by heart the chapter and verse of their book. So too in football there are the most ardent of supporters. They know the names of every player, the division leaders, the coaching staffs and the referees third cousins, neighbors dogs favorite chew toy.

Saint Curly (pointing the way to the promised land?)

Unfortunately there are some other similarities. Diehard supporters of both football and religion have harmed those that don't hold their same faith. Taunting and mocking each other and occasionally throwing punches and even threatening death to the infidels.

There are prodigal sons (Michael Vick) and beatified saints for whom temples are built (Curly Lambeau). Will we one day see a Montana or Tebow Stadium? 

The pharisees and saducess, or bishops and cardinals, the imams, the "church leaders of the NFL" create and modify the rules and the priests and acolytes oversee the ceremony, dressed in their holy black and white vestments. Ironically this years ceremony even includes a Madonna, who is more like a false prophet, after all SHE sang  "Like a Virgin?". HA - I don't think so!


There are also those who don't participate in this yearly spectacle. They don't share your same faith or perhaps they have just lost their faith. They turned their backs to the spectacle and celebration. They hold differing philosophies. They don't care to partake in this annual pilgrimage to the mecca of Madden. They would rather be out in the sun or at a movie or read a book or take a nap. That is fine. That is good. That should be celebrated and revered. As it is with religion, some belief and some don't. Some hold their faith dear and some find it ridiculous.

I hold no particular religious faith. I know we are here and alive and have today to see what we can see and feel what we can feel and love whom we can and taste and drink and hear beautiful music, pet a cat, eat a hot dog with jalapenos or drink an ice cold IPA. There is no temple to which I bow or god to whom I pray. I enjoy my life now and hope that when the end comes I have been a good person and enjoyed this fleeting moment. I may be faithless and non-religious but today, I will celebrate at the Altar of Vizio and partake of the bread and drink of the ale. I have had my own epiphany.

It finally came to me. A revelation. Not in a burning bush, although I have burned many. Not after a climb up a mountain to obtain instructions written in stone. I haven't done that but I have seen my share of graffiti in the foothills and mountains and thought WTF? Not after looking through a magic stone at some magic gold plates was it revealed to me. No, my revelation came from friends and loved ones. As I sit with them and talk with them, this Holiest of Days is not really a day of worshiping or pleasing a god. This day is just another day we have set aside to consume fine food and ale with friends and family. The Big Game is just a distraction in the background to which, between bites of pulled pork and sweet potato fries, we give some attention. We look up at the glowing LCD (or plasma) altar and say, this is why we have gathered together. And we see that it was good.

So today, whether you are heading to a bbq, or sitting with friends and watching in a bar, or you have decided that you won't take part, enjoy what you are doing. Have a great time. Love those you are with. Taste each bite and drink and relish the wonderful food and company. You are alive. Life can be tough at times. It can be overwhelming. It is also so beautiful and it - TODAY - is all any of us truly have. Make the most of it.That is the only obligation we truly have to ourselves and each other.

Let the games begin!