Christianity is catholic. The word ‘catholic’, at its core meaning, is based on the Greek word katholikos, meaning universal, or general.

Wherever we look, believers in Jesus Christ are as varied as the world itself. In this 250th year of the United States of America, this nation is blessed to host one of the premier global events, the FIFA World Cup.

As this is being written, 48 countries’ national soccer (football) teams and their fans from all over the globe are scattered throughout the United States (as well as parts of Canada and Mexico) in possibly the most catholic event one could imagine. From Boston to Houston, from New York to LA, people all over the world are getting to know the United States and her people in an entirely new way.

With the Scotland ‘Tartan Army’ taking over Boston, and even Iran (with whom we are still in conflict on a geopolitical level), and so many other countries enjoying a holiday and sporting events, we see what the best of us can be, if only we choose to do so.

As Christians, we are called to be welcoming and hospitable. As Americans, we welcome those who come to us. Even though the vast majority of Americans are not soccer (football) fans, we support our national team in this event. In this aspect, we are no different from the Scots, the Iranians, the Paraguayans, the Costa Ricans, etc.… We can get along despite our various allegiances.

In Luke 11:27, Jesus tells us, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (NAB) Just two verses later, He begins the parable of the Good Samaritan. The Samaritans and the Jews absolutely hated each other. However, the Samaritan goes out of his way to help the Jew who was beaten and robbed on the road. He did not stop being a Samaritan, nor did the injured man stop being a Jew. The Samaritan just made the decision to treat the injured man with the dignity and respect owed to a fellow human being. A profoundly catholic action.

We are at our best when we put aside our differences and deal with each other as human beings. In doing this, we don’t lose our identity. When we cheer on the US National team, we still sing the Star-Spangled Banner. That doesn’t mean that we have ill will toward the other 47 countries or their people/fans. We can still wish them well, which we do, and even party with them.

After 250 years of being a country, perhaps we can begin to follow the above Greatest Commandment Jesus taught. We’ve got a good start hosting the World Cup, so let’s keep the momentum going and remember that we are all human beings made in the image and likeness of God, which give us our common brotherhood and sisterhood.

Rev. John A. Cramer, Pastor
Holy Trinity NCC, Kewanee

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The Kewanee Voice.

***This column is sponsored by the Kewanee Ministerial Association