Kylian Mbappé: The Remnant

But I will leave as a remnant in your midst, a holy people humble and lowly, who shall take refuge in the name of the Lord: the remnant of Israel. —Zep 3:1-2, 9-13

Tomorrow, Argentina and France will face off in the finals of the 2022 World Cup. It is safe to say that the two faces that represent each team are Lionel Messi (ARG) and Kylian Mbappé (FRA). While soccer fans are anxious to see if Messi will secure his first World Cup victory, there is something worth paying attention to in France's forward Kylian Mbappé. Yes, he's fast but there's more to his game. Think of him this way: as a remnant…

When I hear the word “remnant,” I think of a fabric and material—stacks or piles of it. Growing up, my mom sewed a lot. I would accompany her at the fabric store. I was drawn to the beautiful patterns, and colors of remnants. Each one was marked on discount. Why? Remnants are what is left. They are what remains on a bolt of fabric. The Prophet Zephaniah was addressing something similar, yet different. 

The remnant is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. The Anchor Bible Dictionary describes it as "What is left of a community after it undergoes a catastrophe." The concept has stronger representation in the Old Testament than in the New Testament.

Though the door has yet to officially close on the COVID-19 pandemic, it is safe to say our world underwent a colossal catastrophe. It might be wise to consider What is left? I would like to offer but one answer....and invite you to put Mbappé to your mind's eye as a reminder.

COVID forced us to slow down. We had no choice but to stay home, stay local and stay safe. Though far from a retreat, the tough, long and even dark days of COVID were not hurried. Traffic subsided, we reviewed our expectations and minimized our obligations. We were forced to put on the brakes—even when we did not want to.

There is great wisdom in slowing down. As Matthew Kelly says "our obsession with efficiency and remaining on the go often lures us away from what matters most."

What matters most are what the Christmas season brings—occasion for family and friends to come together, the rich rituals and traditions of Advent, the celebration of the Incarnation, the joy of giving, sweets and treats, and new memories to make. Sadly, the pressing demands, expectations and obligations of it all lead to stress, anxiety and the inability to do what we should: rest, relax, slow down, enjoy. Some people are able to do, others are not. 

This is where a careful analysis of one's own life and the game of Mbappé might help.

An avid soccer fan and good friend shared this insight with me. "When asked about Mbappé and what makes him so special—speed is the usual response. But a true connoisseur if the sport replied. “It’s not his speed, but his brakes.” 

Slowing down is a skill worth developing. It might actually take practice and effort—but it won't take away from your day—it will add to it. Do you agree?

Examples and exemplars help. Who in your life is good at taking the "hurry" out of their day? Who comes to mind when you think of "putting on the brakes" in a tactical, important way?  

When you watch the finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, look to Mbappé—the remnant— and how he puts on the brakes. Take some time to slow down and reflect further upon what matters most this Christmas. 

Photo Credits

Mbappé
Faces of World Cup

Feel the Breath....World Cup 2022

This year's Thanksgiving already feels different. While there is the lifting of COVID restrictions, Americans are paying a steeper price for the family feast. Yes, American football will be played at many a turkey toss-up, and for the first time in eight years, U.S. fans have a rooting interest in the World Cup.

While US women's national soccer team have acquired a bunch of hardware since 2014 and in that time, the men's squad has transformed itself. It's a first World Cup for 25 of the 26 players who'll suit up in stars and stripes. In fact, the U.S. is tied with Ecuador as the second youngest teams in Qatar. 

In Special Series: The FIFA World Cup 2022, Tom Goldman's article, The 2022 World Cup in Qatar begins, warts and all addresses the question many of us have been asking: How might we embrace this wildly popular event? Should we? Thank you, NPR. 

In its first match, the U.S. faced a team that has been absent for 64 years. One that reminded the world with a 1-1 tie, that "we're still here!" The Welsh national soccer team is led by captain Gareth Bale and the head coach Rob Page.Thus, the purpose of this post is to share a living, breathing reminder of just how and and why it's hard not to embrace the World Cup (and full disclosure, I'm not a big soccer/football fan).

In case you have not heard for yourself or heard about it, Michael Sheen took it upon himself to remind sports fans, soccer enthusiasts and the people of Wales what might be possible.

I first heard the Welsh actor resound his barbaric yawp while driving to work and listening to my morning sports talk radio show. Murph and Mac, the cohosts played what I have posted here. Both men sat silent. No one knew exactly how to respond. What just happened? What did we just hear? 

I could feel the synapses flying in my brain as I began a personal inventory of any prior knowledge I might have to all things Wales. Capital city is Cardiff. Their language is unique—lots of LONG words. Tom Jones is a native son. So it Catherine Zeta-Jones. Maybe the poet Dylan Thomas too. Yes?

I felt as though I just heard a Shakespearean performance, a passionate plea that the British bard could have scripted over 400 years ago! 

As written by Hollywood Insider.

If Wales performs miracles at the upcoming soccer World Cup, then Michael Sheen may have played his own small part.

The Welsh actor has gone viral on social media for the second time in as many weeks for his rousing pre-tournament pep talks for the Wales men’s national soccer team as they enter final preparations for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

In his speech, Sheen offers images and story. He references color and specific emotions. He reminds his countrymen who they are and from whence they came. It's spiritual.

The line that stands out among the rest for me his call: "Feel the breath.... on the back of your necks." 

The word spirituality comes from the Latin spiritus which means breath.  Where we feel the spirit, how we feel the spirit is worth paying attention to. Thank you, Michael Sheen for the opportunity to do that.

Shakespeare and soccer fans everywhere get it. 

Photo Credits
Sheen with Jersey
World Cup Team