During a Sports Scandal

Source of All Joy,in the midst of sin’s dark shadows,sport and fandom offerwelcomed bursts of fun and wonder.In your overwhelming generosity,you have given arenas of lifemeant almost purely for delight.We thank you for the simple joys:the thrill of competition,the high-fiving-stranger camaraderie in the stands,the hand-me-downs of team colorsconnecting generations.They are oases of childlike enthusiasmin the deserts of responsibility and suffering.

But this oasis proved to be a mirage.Instead of sheltering from the world’s brokenness,it’s been broken, too.Sin’s virus found a way to infecteven this most pure of pastimes.The love of the game, tainted by greed.The reward for hard work, substitutedfor the ease of a scheme.The honor of “role model,” forfeitedin favor of cheap, fleeting pleasures.We mourn not just the darkness, but the dimming of light.

Restore all people who were wronged in the pursuit ofquick wins or stolen glory.Meet them in their pain and restore what was taken.Bring justice to the wrongdoers, expose the sinsand bring righteous accountability,and turn their hearts toward repentance.May there be apologies that heal and restore,not statements that skirt and avoid.Help commissioners and owners build structuresof accountability and not allowance.Protect moldable young fans;keep cynicism from metastasizing in their hearts.Provide players the courage to call evil “evil.”Silence the tempting sirens of money, fame, and glory,and restore a longing for humility, honor, and integrity.

Forgive us for putting our hopein something that could not support it.For seeking our joy in broken cisternswhen you offer us unending streams.For worshipping heroes in uniformwhen you have shown us true heroism.For constructing identities and investing passionon shifting sands,when you offer us the firmest foundation.Use this scandal not only to tell us the truth about our sin,but to amplify our desire for you:the only one worthy of our ultimatehope, love, and worship.

Only with you will our joy never be turned to mourning,our worship never be exposed as foolish,our passion never wasted.For in your presence is fullness of joy,and in your love we findlife to the full.Amen.

Amen