SUNDAYS ARE SACRED: Pass the plate and the pigskin, please

The Arizona Republic ^ | March 29, 2004 | Bob Young -- The Heat Index -- Sports

[Phx_RC]

An open letter to Pope John Paul II:

Pope John Paul II
C/O The Vatican
Vatican City

Dear Holiness,

While your recent statement to Australian bishops seems to have slipped below the radar of many, it has not escaped ours here at The Heat Index.

As you'll recall, you told the bishops that Sunday should be a day for God, not for secular diversions such as entertainment and sports.

"When Sunday loses its fundamental meaning and becomes subordinate to a secular concept of 'weekend' dominated by such things as entertainment and sport, people stay locked within a horizon so narrow that they can no longer see the heavens," is the way you put it.

We see your point.
. . .

Perhaps we can get the folks in concessions to offer a Communion Combo - maybe $4 for a pretzel and a cup of Welch's grape juice. Blessed, of course.

Maybe the folks at Verizon would sponsor wireless confessionals. Patrons wouldn't have to miss a down.
They simply dial 1-800-4GIVEME, and priests will be standing by to take down their sins and offer tips on absolution.

It would be great for Verizon's commercials, too. "Lord, can you hear me now?"

It might be a great system for fund-raising, too, Holiness. When the plate is passed at our parish, folks always pitch in a couple of bucks. Most don't take out any change, either.
. . .

-- Your friends at The Heat Index -- Arizona Republic -- AZ Central.com

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[Phx_RC]

Bolds are in original, underlines are added for emphasis. Your opinions please:

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[Romulus]

We read once how you were a pretty fair athlete in your day, playing goalie in soccer.

That must have been a long time ago.

[Choose Ye This Day]

I find this sad. One doesn't have to agree with someone else's religious beliefs, but it shows a tragic lack of maturity when one feels compelled to mock those beliefs.

For far, far too many people, sports and recreation have become their religion. They can't give one measly day to the Lord who gave them all they have.

[ladyinred]

Is this supposed to be humor? Decidedly not funny.

[Akiva]

A Sunday Sabbath? Only for those people who can't count. Let's see: Jesus crucified late Friday afternoon, and rises from the dead three days later. My math tells me that should be a Monday evening worship hour.

Stick with the Bible; it's Saturday, doofuses.

[Phx_RC]

May God bless you on this bright and beautiful Palm Sunday morning.

And a warm and friendly Roman Catholic welcome to FreeRepublic.