Catholics vs Convicts. Hodson to Fuller and the Earthquake Game. The unforgettable victories that teach a young sports fan to believe in miracles. It all can be so scintillating as a fan.

But in truth, what do those moments teach us about faith—and what might they leave out?

In this episode, we go to Andre Blue, the young protagonist of Opening Acts, to examine an assumption many of us carry into adulthood—that believing in extraordinary outcomes is the same as believing that God ordained them.

Through childhood memories, the 1988 Notre Dame-Miami game, LSU football, and the Gospel accounts of Christ’s reception in His own country, we consider the difference between seeking out fantasy lands and learning to find inspiration inside the steady work of the faith life. Hard work, discipline, and perseverance have their place, of course. But the question is whether we’ve mistaken athletic glories and American ambition for the true face of Christian virtue.

Andre gives us an easy, non-intrusive place to begin examining ourselves.

Read Andre’s Story

Opening Acts — Book I of the ‘51’ Novel Series
Price of Admission — Book II of the ‘51’ Novel Series

Available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback. Search each title with “Jeff LeJeune” to find the books.

Scripture

Matthew 13:57–58
Mark 6:5–7
Douay–Rheims Bible

Timestamps

00:00 Sports Comebacks and Miracles
00:35 Meet Andre Blue
01:43 Highlights and Hope
03:30 Coach Mom Reality Check
03:55 Not a Christian Miracle
04:36 Book Excerpt LSU Auburn
06:39 Catholics vs Convicts
11:15 Andre List of Miracles
12:12 Sweet but Incomplete Hope
12:33 Work Hard vs Catholic Ends
14:01 Gospel Meaning of Miracles
15:43 Putting Sports in Place
18:22 Where Hope Belongs
18:53 Books and Farewell

Images are used for purposes of prayer, education, and commentary under the fair use provisions of US copyright law.