Even without a Hail Mary pass.
Some insight, from Brian Caulfield at the Knights of Columbus:
While it’s probably true that God is not concerned with who wins, it is also certain that he does care about your party. That’s right. Wherever two or three or a dozen men are gathered … God is in their midst.
So let’s take a somewhat offbeat look at 10 ways your Super Bowl party supports Catholic values.
1. Eating and Drinking – What’s a Super Bowl party without plenty of food and drink? Catholics are not Puritans, and this is a secular feast day. Lent begins in 10 days, so it’s no time to abstain. We look to St. Paul, who told his disciple, “You ought to drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach” (1 Tm 5:23). Of course, a degree of moderation is in order, as well as designated drivers for any who overindulge.
2. Fraternity – An honored principle of the Knights of Columbus, fraternity is a lost art for many men. Yet our hearts are made for the fellowship and brotherhood that come with gathering around the game. Don’t feel guilty for having some “guy time” and be thankful that you have good friends. Make sure you build on that fraternity through your membership in the Knights.
3. Gathering – We Catholics are always getting together for something greater than ourselves: Mass, prayer, social action, social hours. True, a football party is not the same as gathering in the name of the Lord, but there is still great human value in men getting together to enjoy one another’s company and share a common experience.
4. Communion – The Mass is the highest celebration on earth, and we don’t suggest that a Super Bowl party in any way approaches holy Communion. But there are lesser communions of hearts and minds that God also blesses. It is up to us to see Jesus in others in any situation, even in those rooting and yelling at the TV.
5. Praising – A large part of the Super Bowl’s appeal is in watching two teams at the height of greatness battle it out with all their strength of body and soul. St. Paul recognized the unique relation between athletics and spirituality when he wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Tm 4:7). We should esteem athletic efforts, praise these Super Bowl players and let their excellence lift our hearts and minds above the daily grind.
That’s just for starters. Read the whole list. And enjoy the game!
