Guess who’ll be at the big game today?! FYI: The game takes place in Santa Clara, California…
Hail Mary
Likely seated in the nosebleeds, Mary, Mother of God, and Saint Clare (Santa Clara), patron saint of television, telecommunications and eye disease, will be fan-girling over finger fumbles, tush push touchdowns, sassy snaps, blitz buzz, pocket passes, laudable audibles as the superest game in football unfolds. They’ll drink beer and eat pretzels, cheer for both teams equally, and pull down their caps when people look at them twice, attempting to place recognition. At half-time, a bunny will sing.
Sports fans for centuries, Mary and Clare will show up for the magic, the marvel, the mastery of athleticism, to witness the joy of devoted spectators, on the field and off, but at the (sacred) heart of their attendance is the breath-holding possibility of The Hail Mary. Prepared to offer support, in trajectory, in speed, in length, to fly the desperation-lob of the long pass as hundreds of thousands (millions maybe!) whisper-pray her name: Hail Mary Full of Grace! Complete the pass! Complete the pass! Mary will revel in the reverence of this annual overwhelm of need for her love. (A mother loves to be needed.) And Clare will keep skies and eyes clear as the ball spirals spectacular. Everyone wins in a miracle, Mary will whisper to Clare, and they will finish their beer, burp, and return to the work of inspiring spiritual development for all.
VANESSA SHIELDS 