Life as a contact sport

THAT’S right. While our life can be described in many ways, a lot of which in sweet, colorful terms and soothing tones, we should not forget that it can also be seen as something like a contact sport, where we need to really fight tooth and nail if we are interested in keeping our human and Christian dignity intact. 

Yes, life can be harsh and bloody, what with all the bad elements we have to contend with. Imagine a boxing match, definitely a severe contact sport. There the contenders would really do everything within the rules of boxing to win, and so they have to train themselves like hell in the art of attack and defense. 

They have to make themselves strong like a rock, so they don’t get easily hurt by the unavoidable blows they will receive. And yet they also have to be flexible, even nimble, to be able to make those rapid moves that are necessary in a highly dynamic and unpredictable bout. 

 Many techniques have to be learned. A serious training program has to be put up. Strict discipline has to be instilled. The muscles, both the physical and the spiritual, have to be power-packed so that the blows we make against the enemies of our soul can really make a knockdown, if possible. 

 We have to be knowledgeable about the many possible game plans both the enemies of our soul and us can use. We have to know when we are being set up for a kill, and vice-versa, how we can set up our spiritual and worldly nemeses. So, some serious study should also be made. 

 As much as possible, we have to know how our enemies are—what techniques they use, what their usual behavior and mannerisms are, etc. The strengths and weaknesses have to be known as much as possible. 

And like in basketball, we also have to learn to pass the ball to those who can help us—going to confessors, chatting with spiritual directors and friends, etc. We can never afford simply to be on our own in our life struggles. We need coaches, and even avid fans to give moral support. 

 We have to practice our shooting skills to score points and hopefully win the game eventually. We have to know how to block a driving player and to avoid being blocked. And when we commit a mistake or are being fouled, we should know how to get up and move on immediately, without undue delay. 

 And like in wrestling, we have to learn the art of hand-to-hand tackles, beatdown, the rapid series of holds, strikes and maneuvers, making a pinfall, as well as a rest hold. 

 It’s important that we have the proper attitude toward all these maneuvers. We should be emotionally, mentally and spiritually strong, not easily discouraged or scandalized. We have to be sport all the way, knowing that whether we win or lose in a game, God will always be with us. 

 We have to assume the same attitude spelled out by St. Paul: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize…Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly. I do not fight like a man beating the air. No I beat my body and make it my slave…” (1 Cor 9,24 ff.)