It’s Super Bowl Sunday and the Saints are preparing to do battle with the Colts.  It is hard to pick a winner but I have been leading a bible study on the book of Revelation, and it is hard to go against the Saints. With our annual men’s conference upcoming, I began to think about what I have been studying in the bible and the questions I have heard from many people in the past. “Do I need to go to confession?” “Do I need to go to mass more than at Christmas and Easter?” “Why do I need to go to your conference?” The list could go on for days as we have all been led to believe that God is so good that he would never send me to hell because I'm basically a good person. Time for the football analogies now...

Imagine showing up in Miami at the Saints or the Colts locker room and saying; “where is my locker and what position am I playing”. I think you would meet a large person or two like me who would grab you and throw you out of the stadium.  The reason you find yourself on the outside with no hope of entering the game is because you missed the try-outs, the practices, the games and the long meetings.  It is funny that we have the expectation to gain our eternal reward in a similar manner.  The bible gives us a different story; “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus”. “And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord henceforth." "Blessed indeed," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!" These lines from the book of Revelation make it sound like you need to do a bit more than just show up.

You are in luck because the God Squad has lined up two great Catholic coaches to help you get to the big game.  Steve Wood has been challenging men for years to fulfill their roles as husbands and fathers.  He does not sugar coat the truth or say there is an easy way.  Like a champion coach he pushes you till it hurts.  Then we have Peter Kreeft who has churned out 50+ books and endless articles and talks that are second to none.  He keeps pointing the way to victory with designed plays to ensure victory.  Finally we have a rookie coming off the bench ready to get into the battle.  John Wood will share how he will do his part to win.  This will all take place on Mar 12, 13th 2010 at St. Peter’s in Calgary.

Remember just like the big game we are not all called to be the Drew Brees (all star Saints quarterback) of the team.  The back-up offensive lineman gets the same reward at the end of the game because he did his part to ensure the teams’ outcome.  Unlike the Super Bowl we know who wins the battle;” Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war…… And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, followed him on white horses.  From his mouth issues a sharp sword with which to smite the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron; he will tread the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.”

So pick the right team, as you know the final outcome and everyone wants to be with a winner.  Then you too can put on your heavenly jersey with pride.  “the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted her to be clothed with fine linen, bright and pure" --for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.