The Rookie (9/12/2023)

Football fans across the country and especially across Wisconsin were screen-side last evening to see how Aaron Rodgers did in his new QB slot with the Jets. Most everyone was set for a good game with lots of expectations as to what that would look like when it unfolded. It turned out to be a great game, in fact, but not in the way most expected. The star of the game wasn’t a quarterback but rather a rookie receiver and returner on the special teams for the Jets, Xavier Gipson, a walk on, not a draft pick, who showed up to play.

If you watched the game, you know that Rodgers was injured on his fourth play of the game and never returned to play. The team’s previous starting quarterback, Zach Wilson, led his team to a tie that went into overtime. And it was Gipson, an unknown entity, who returned a punt 65 yards for the winning touchdown. And somewhere in New York right now there is a coach who is so glad that he recognized the talent of a young man others had passed over (not drafted) but who had a gift and who would use it well.

I really liked this game and the way it ended. Don’t we all love a “Cinderella tale” where the one deemed least likely is the one who will actually rise to the top. I loved the interview at the end with Gipson, his joy, his humility. I think there is something in all of us that can empathize with Gipson and his desire to play. The question is, is there also something in all of us that will put ourselves on the line, show up, and try?

I like to believe that I would, but I know that at times I hold back because of fear, because of a sense of all that showing up would entail, all the hard work, all the frustrations, all the disappointments. How strong is the sense of calling within each of us? We have been given the gifts, and we are called to use them. Will we? That’s the question.

When the parish asks for help with catechesis or with lectoring or even with being a sacristan, will I prayerfully discern whether I am being called to this? When a friend is in need, will I show up and do whatever I can in that moment to be of help and support? Am I willing to daily discern where the LORD is leading me to use the gifts I have already received?

As we continue on our faith journeys, picking up where we left off yesterday, let us not forget to pick up the Spirit’s gifts of courage and perseverance. Let us be willing to take the chances necessary to use the gifts we have been given, to respond to the call we have received, and to do so with all the joy and humility of the “rookie” we are.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.