Bishop Robert Barron, of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester in Minnesota, cited Olympian Eric Liddell as an example of a person pursuing athletic excellence for the glory of God.
In light of the ongoing Paris Summer Olympics, Bishop Robert Barron emphasized that athletic excellence should ultimately be about giving glory to God. The bishop highlighted Scottish Olympian Eric Liddell, whose story of faith and athleticism was immortalized in the film "Chariots of Fire."
Liddell, a devout Christian, famously declined to race in the 100-meter dash at the 1924 Olympics because it fell on a Sunday, the Sabbath. Instead, he opted for the 400-meter race on a later date, a race he was supposedly less proficient at. However, Liddell won the gold, reaching the finish line a meter ahead of the silver medalist and breaking the previous 400-meter world record.
_Eric Liddell's Athleticism: A Testament to the Glory of God_
Bishop Barron pointed to a scene in "Chariots of Fire" where Liddell explains his perspective to his devout sister. She expresses impatience with his focus on running, urging him to prioritize missionary work in China. However, Liddell responds that he believes God has made him both for a purpose in China and with exceptional running abilities. He states that when he runs, he feels God's pleasure.
Barron interprets this sentiment through the lens of early Christian teaching, specifically Irenaeus of Lyon's statement that "the glory of God is a human being fully alive." He further contextualizes this principle with examples of other contemporary athletes, such as Catholic Olympic gymnast Simone Biles.
_Eric Liddell's Athleticism: A Testament to the Glory of God_
"Think of Simone Biles, you know, like tumbling through the air. She's not curing cancer. You know, she's not Mother Teresa, but she's doing this beautiful thing, and it gives pleasure to God, because the glory of God is a human being fully alive," Barron explains.
The bishop emphasizes that sports, like any other earthly pursuit, should be undertaken for God's glory. "Whatever you are, whatever you do, you give it to God and you say, ‘It's for your glory,'" he advises.
_Eric Liddell's Athleticism: A Testament to the Glory of God_
Bishop Barron encourages individuals to surrender their gifts and endeavors to God, assuring them that they will find it returned to them in an elevated form. "Whatever you have, give it to God and you will find it coming back to you elevated."
Liddell's dedication to using his athleticism for the glory of God stands as a powerful example for athletes and individuals alike. His story serves as a reminder that even in something as seemingly secular as sports, one can pursue excellence and find purpose in serving the Divine.
