Cup Fever

As many of you know, I come from Montréal, a city in the French part of Canada. Aside from the two-cheek “kiss,” Montréal is best known for its hockey madness. When the Canadiens are in the playoffs for the Stanley Cup Championship, there is a total media blitz about the team and its chances of scoring the biggest prize in hockey.

In addition to the news coverage, there is also a sense of brotherhood that this sport has fostered among the people of this city. Haitian cab drivers, Polish firefighters, Russian engineers, and political rivals all sport the Canadiens flag on their cars. There is no need for compromise when it comes to winning the Cup. Everybody cheers when the Habs win because there is nothing that brings all Montrealers together like Cup fever.

It is interesting to note that one other place I see this coming together is the local congregation in the south-central part of the city called the Ville-Émard Church of Christ. People from different cultures and languages enthusiastically praise, serve, and share their Lord. There is no need for special committees or laws to maintain peace and foster respect; only one rule is necessary:

Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
– Luke 6:31

Of course, as exciting as the competition for the Stanley Cup might be, I am confident we have the better deal. If the Canadiens win, only the team will receive the reward, and we will remain spectators. In the church, however, each one will receive the crown of eternal life, not just the star players.

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
– I Peter 5:4

Oh yes, and another thing: the excitement will be over if the Habs lose somewhere along the way. Jesus Christ has already won the victory that guarantees our crown in the church. So, our unity and enthusiasm are based on what we already have, not what we might win.

Have a great week filled with blessings from God as we say in French, a bientôt.