June 11, 2025

Fr. John Riccardo

Brothers and sisters: Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us (Romans 5:1-6).

Some years back I was fortunate to get some tickets to a certain College Football Playoff game that might or might not have involved a certain team I root pretty hard for and where I might or might not have gone to college. I happened to be with some dear friends, and even had a chance to be with some of the team the night before and celebrate Mass for them.

Game day arrived and we all sported appropriately colored clothes, got onto the bus to the game, and were in high spirits. The team I was rooting for was favored, and though it promised to be a very competitive game, everyone both predicted and expected them to win.

They didn’t.

There are few things quite as agonizing for sports fans as watching the team they root for get so far, only to fall short. (Detroit Lions, anyone?) The walk to the car after the game was downright miserable. Not only were we frustrated by the result, but we had to make our way through a ridiculously joyful crowd of people, all decked out in the winning team’s colors. While a few people were gracious and offered up a “Good game” comment, most of them were rightfully reveling in their victory.

Those of you reading who enjoy sports as I do know this feeling. It’s called “the agony of defeat” for a reason — and we weren’t even playing in the game!

Faith in God is not like this! It doesn’t disappoint. When all is said and done, when history is wrapped up, disciples of Jesus will not be put to shame or disgraced. We will not experience that feeling so many of us are familiar with who “hoped” something would be one way only for it to go another. This is a promise from the God who is Creator of all, does not lie, and knows what He’s doing.

Sports fans often argue about who they think the G.O.A.T. is in any given sport (Greatest Of All Time). Here’s the truth: Jesus is the real G.O.A.T. — and it isn’t even close. He has defeated the power of Death, the power of Sin, and the enemy of our race, the devil. And one day, when He returns to make all things new, He will destroy them, wipe away every tear from our eye, and usher us into the abundant life He has prepared us for.

The Holy Spirit resides within us thanks to the gift of baptism to know this, even if we don’t feel it.

So, hold on, people of God. Hold on. Trust Him. Surrender to Him. Even if, especially if, things are hard right now, the cross feels crushing, it all seems in vain, no good outcome seems possible. God is “the repairer of the ruins.” He, and He alone, is worthy of all our trust.

The Real G.O.A.T.

How the Spirit Comforts Us