What Does March Madness Have to Do With My Faith?

What is it about the NCAA College Basketball Tournament that we love so much?  Each year, college fans everywhere (from the casual watchers to the true die-hards) embark on a roller coaster ride of emotions. For two and-a-half weeks, they follow their teams’ competition, while encountering numerous, memorable moments.  We marvel at the talent, passion, and determination these young athletes have to offer; and whether they win or lose, they rarely leave us disappointed.  It is an enjoyable time of year.

I believe that one of the main reasons we watch is to witness the upsets.  It is ironic to think of how much effort we put forth in filling out our brackets, only to rejoice in the victory of the very team that was responsible for ruining our preferred team.  These events epitomize the phrase, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”  We certainly have a special place in our hearts for the underdogs.

Now you might wonder what any of this has to do with our Catholic faith.

We are constantly under the impression that we know what is best for us and we make every effort to have it our way.  We make many choices throughout our lives, anticipating the results just as we have imagined them.  Yet, we are often surprised by what the Lord had in store for us all along; and we are often more than satisfied in the end.  This example is not meant to trivialize our relationship with God, as though it were merely some game of chance.  It simply conveys the point that we experience significant levels of happiness when we allow ourselves to be amazed; and we are often amazed by our Extraordinary God.

The Lord works in mysterious ways. As my wife once told me, “If you ever want to make Him laugh, just tell Him your plans.”  His desires for us are beyond our comprehension and if we allow Him to enlighten us, we will begin to create our own memorable moments of joy.  We live in a world that can confine us and force to go about our daily routines in an ordinary and mundane fashion.  This can still bring us an occasional sense of pleasure, but it does not last long, and is rarely fulfilling.  It is our Catholic faith that truly accomplishes this feat.

As Catholics, we may often feel as though we are the underdogs when it comes to various forms of competition, especially within the contemporary arena of social and moral issues.  We often find ourselves on the outside, battling for a voice and for recognition.  It can become very discouraging and frustrating, especially when we know we have the Truth; and it is worth witnessing and respecting.  I think that is why we are drawn to those teams that are looking for respect and acknowledgment that they belong where they are.

Of course, the championship title we wish to garner will not be based solely upon temporal victories, and we will certainly not be able to take the credit for our achievements.  They will be due to the graces that have been bestowed on us by our loving and merciful Creator.  Nevertheless, we are part of a team, a Communion of Saints to be exact, and we are always aware of the many battles that have been fought since the beginning.  We rely on the Holy Spirit to continue to guide us and inspire us on our journey.  Though He may often intervene in our lives without our knowledge, He will never do so without our best interests at heart.  (Some say the best ‘selections’ they make are the ones with theirs, as well.)