Ravens Fan Family at Ascension Church in Arbutus, MD. Sad, but hopeful AND faithful fans.

Football Team Baltimore Ravens Fans are no doubt recovering from Saturday’s Play-Offs game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.  After the tough to swallow final score, I also had to do my part and console my nieces and nephews.  This post game consolation time gave me the chance to put into perspective analogies about the football game and our own lives as Christians.  We all have a calling – a play to execute if you will.  Sometimes we do well, and other times we don’t.  Regardless, we all have a calling to play like champions, even if we don’t capture the title!

Me with the Raven at M&T Bank Stadium for the Big Brother and Big Sister Benefit Event

At one point, I asked my nephew what he thinks the coach said to the players in the locker room?  By the way, the Coach is a practicing Catholic!  I’m sure he was firm, but charitable (In truth and Charity).  I then asked him, if he was the coach, what would he tell the players?  If he was a player, what would be helpful words to hear at that moment?  I’m sure critique will come, but encouragement will make the critique more acceptable.  That’s a play right out of Jesus’ example in the Gospels!

Ultimately, this post game consolation gave me, the priest uncle and a wonderful nephew a great chance to talk about implying a more balanced sense of importance regarding sports, competition, and winning.  It’s a conversation that all Grace Before Meals families can have with their children.  And, one of the best places to do that is around a dinner table.

Last night’s tense game provided time for families and friends to come together, share a common passion, and also feast around typical game day foods.  My family would have made the Raven’s team proud.  We definitely cheered, and even cried.  We were there with them the entire time.  The only break we took was to say grace before the meal, and to take bites of tasty treats in between the screaming and cheering.  After the loss, the only thing we could do was console one another.  Thank God there was still some food left – including my beer and citrus based ribs that I cooked from completely frozen to juicy and tender in just about 2 hours.

Beer and Citrus Sauced Ribs!

Towards the end of the night, I saw my nephew eventually smiling again.  Sad, but not discouraged knowing that ultimately – no matter how important the game is – it was only a game.  The family is truly the best place to find consolation in the midst of disappointments.  And, comfort food – like most foods you get at sporting events – can be a great consolation prize -as long as you can share it with people you love.

I look forward to sharing my rib recipe with those who have signed up to receive the free weekly emails from me.

What do you tell your children or a loved one who lost an important game?  What foods / recipes do you prepare for big games?  Please share your thoughts and comments.

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