3 Cheers for Tebow

Regarding “Tim Tebow Motivates, Challenges Catholics” (NCRegister.com, Dec. 30, and Jan. 29 issue):

We Catholics have much to learn from Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. He is vocal about his love for Our Lord and isn’t afraid to say so when there is a camera or microphone present. In fact, he does so even in the absence of an earthly audience.

For instance, after he threw the winning touchdown pass in overtime against Pittsburgh on Jan. 8, his first thought was, appropriately, “Thank You, Lord.” (And it was wise, too, for Epiphany Sunday, eh!)

Okay, so nobody heard him except the Almighty and his guardian angel. Pretty safe, you might say. This is the manner that most Catholics, nay, most Christians, prefer. No problem. Tebow then knelt in his trademark manner — one that is often mocked by cynics — in full view of 76,000 fans and millions on television and thanked the Lord again.

This is the act that doubters find disgusting.

I find it most appropriate because who but the Lord is responsible for Tebow’s athletic ability and born-again fervor to humble himself in front of millions. He’s not ridiculing his foes with odd gyrations of bragging. He’s putting his faith where it belongs, inward and outward. He’s accepting the Holy Spirit’s nudging to be thankful for the good things.

He is following the scriptural dictum to spread the Gospel by example and using words when necessary. He is a wonderful leader for Catholics and other Christians who are reluctant. He fits the Catholic Church’s New Evangelization drive even though he isn’t Catholic.

Three Holy Trinity cheers for him and a lesson for us.

Tebow uses such moments to remind himself that Jesus is our Savior and only he can bring peace in disappointments. That’s why the Lord is there when people find out the score favors somebody else, both on the playing field and in life.

Jesus is our hero for us in every way. It doesn’t matter to him who wins or loses because he is our Savior for all time — today when it hurts and tomorrow when we realize his love for us.

Grantland Rice, the great sports writer of an earlier era, offered this: “When the Great Scorer comes to mark your name, he’ll write not ‘Won’ or ‘Lost,’ but how you played the game.”

This comes right out of the Last Judgment in Matthew 25:31-46: The righteous shall live forever.

Dave Scheuerman

Petersburg, Michigan

Confusing Our Voters

The justifiable consternation expressed in Frank Diorio’s letter under “Presidential Hopefuls” in the Jan. 15 issue prompts these comments. 

Isn’t it reasonable to presume that our highly intelligent, educated bishops intend the logical consequences of their words and actions? I refer to the confusion resulting from their quadrennial “Faithful Citizenship” documents, including the most recent “Introductory Note.”

While an archbishop, Cardinal Raymond Burke, the prefect of the Apostolic Signatura, attributed the confusion and massive support among Catholics for Barack Obama to the USCCB’s “Faithful Citizenship” document.

If today’s primary intrinsic evil were black slavery instead of abortion, I believe the confusion would end. The bishops would then find the right words to make a clear distinction between intrinsic evils vs. other matters about which Catholics may in good conscience reasonably disagree.

Prior to the 2008 election, approximately 100 bishops felt compelled to issue needed clarifications. Archbishop John Myers said, “Certainly policies on welfare, national security, the war in Iraq, Social Security or taxes, taken singly or in any combination, do not provide a proportionate reason to vote for a pro-abortion candidate.” Bishop Michael Sheridan said that the right to life is the issue that trumps all other issues.

Clarity and objective truth are available in Catholic Answer’s “Voter’s Guide for Serious Catholics.” Another excellent guide is “A Brief Catechism for Catholic Voters” By Father Stephen F. Torraco, Ph.D.; it may be downloaded free from EWTN.com’s online library.

Paul W. Rosenthal

Augusta, Georgia

 

Foundational Freedom

Regarding your Bishop Lori interview (“Bishop Lori: Religious Liberty: ‘The Pre-Eminent Social Justice Issue’ of Our Time,” Nov. 30, NCRegister.com, and print Nov. 20 issue):

I enjoyed this article enormously. It was well written and articulated views that have a basis in universal truths that resonate with people of all faith traditions.

I congratulate the Register, but more so Bishop Lori, his ad hoc committee, and the USCCB for their leadership in moving forward the fundamental and foundational freedom that is (and ought to be recognized as) the birthright
of all humanity: religious freedom. I sincerely wish you well.

Gary Doxey

Associate director

International Center for

Law and Religion Studies

J. Reuben Clark Law School

Brigham Young University

A Simple Comparison

Relative to “March On, March for Life” by Charlotte Hays (Jan. 15):

There are three critical similarities between abortion and slavery: Both abuse others in order to achieve a more comfortable lifestyle. Both stand considerable financial gain or loss if abolished. Both are justified by considering others less than human.

Slavery was also a dividing issue for many years. Finally, a president was elected who would abolish slavery. The South was frightened at the thought of losing its way of life and seceded from the Union. Lincoln realized a house divided cannot stand and so began the Civil War.

But how will abortion end? When will it end? Will the American people elect a president who will abolish abortion? Or will those who believe in protecting the rights of the unborn children have to secede from the Union — by refusing to pay tax dollars which support the Obamacare abortions.

Together we can raise our voices and be heard. Together we can help others to see past their selfish choices to the unjustness of abortions. Together we can fight, and together we will win. 

Rachel Brewer

Minnesota

Faith and Humility

What an incredibly beautiful article about faith and humility (“Town Rejects Rosary as Offensive — and the Prayers That Changed Everything,” NCRegister.com, Oct. 27, and Nov. 20 print issue).

Thank you, Matt Archbold, for introducing us to a faithful Catholic — Mike Casey. And thank you, Mr. Casey, for your example. We also participated in America Needs Fatima, and while we only had 40 in front of our local USPO, we knew miracles were happening. God bless the Register for giving us all the news. 

Rhonda Borelli

Los Banos, California