Thoughts on Star Power: Thank you, Fernando Tatis, Jr.

I settled into my seat, all but 12 rows up from the field inside Petco Park, home of the Padres. I delighted in watching an evening game with my good friend Cort.and the fact that I didn't need more than two layers to take it all in. Thank you, San Diego! From our perch, it was hard not to look at just one player: Fernando Tatis, Jr. Even with all the action on the field, I couldn't avert my gaze from the All-Star Dominican ball player. Tatis, who moved from short stop to right field ran quickly to his post in the outfield. He caught balls at the fence and at the foul line in front of us. He jumped, he hustled, he flicked the ball to his fans. He made it all look so easy. 

I turned to Cort and said, "He looks like he could be a wide receiver." I pulled out my phone to get his stats: 6'3" and 217 lbs. The man has wheels. Truly, he is a five-tool player. In 2020, ESPN ranked him as "the most entertaining MLB player." Agreed. In between innings, the screens featured fans and their  personalized signs for "El Niño." One woman declared her love for him—and that she was single. He brought additional energy to a place that is already pumping. I left the yard that night and realized what I saw. It's a quality you just can't manufacture. You have it or you don't. It's Star Power. And after teaching Sophomore scripture, I'm more convinced than ever that Jesus had it, too.

What exactly is Star Power? Turns out it has a definition in Dictionary.com! Star Power is allure and charisma. Some link star power to glamour, but I liken it to talent, confidence, magnetism and more. It's notable presence. It's not rare, but it's not common either.

Christology, a required course for all tenth graders, examines the humanity and divinity of Christ. With more emphasis on a lower Christology, studying Jesus of Nazareth as a human being was indeed fascinating. An itinerant preacher—this Jesus of History—had to have star power. Think about it. The word was out. He drew sizable crowds; he made fishers of men. He spoke to those on the margins—the Samaritan woman and Mary Magdalene to name a few. In doing so, those margins were no more.

Part of Jesus' star power may be attributed to the fact He was a teacher like no other. He taught with authority and conviction. Long before there were master classes, Jesus is and was the master teacher. His examples were practical, yet quixotic. Even subversive. His apostles left their families and homes to "Come and follow me!"

Beyond His actions—miracles of healing, exorcisms and command over nature, I keep thinking Jesus had to have star power because—to be blunt—we must assume he was average looking. Why do I make that assumption? As noted in the movie The Face —Jesus in Art

Christ's image, often different, yet always familiar has appeared in the art of cultures for nearly two millennia. But, there are no known portraits while he was alive or even contemporary descriptions of his physical appearance.

If he was notably handsome or rather tall...if Jesus had a distinctive or exquisite feature, we would have heard about it. I say this because the Gospels are not remiss of other descriptors. For example, we know that Nicodemus is short in stature and that John the Baptist was unkept—he wore clothing made of camel's hair. I have seen images of Jesus my entire life. I never considered what impression his physicality made on his audience. And yet, the absence of this information suggests to me, his star power was super strong.

He had to have a positive energy. My sense is that he looked people in the eye—and did so with compassion. I also think he had a deep awareness of who stood in his midst and the impact He had. Talk about a positive presence...

My recent experience of seeing Fernando Tatis, Jr. on the field after a year of learning studying and teaching the historical and personal Jesus gave me the opportunity think a little more about Star Power. Seeing an example up close and personal led me to consider, Is it something anyone can have/develop?! Or, is it just something—as the name suggests—is a power of certain people. 

My sense is yes and no. If it's something you want, first consider: What is your passion? And, where the place where your gifts and talents shine? From there, reflect on what you are like in that (sacred) space. In what ways do you shine? Perhaps your star power will shine through.

I think it's a great descriptor? I think Star Power is real. I say go for it! Develop it and change in the world in the process. I have but one suggestion/requirement: do it in the wya only YOU can. Time for nothing less....

Photo Credits
Star Power
John Legend
With boy

Beyond Jamba Juice: A Spiritual Boost

Was it the late '90s or the early 2000s? The era when Jamba Juice was it. I got gift cards for this smoothie shop from students and parents, in gratitude for coaching, you name it. Rather than running on caffeine, I was alive and kicking with Vitamin A, B and C. 

But a few weeks ago, I went to Jamba for the first time in 10 years plus. Upon making my choice, the sales associate asked me, "Do you want a boost?" For some reason, this question amused me. What a good marketing ploy, I thought. I can pay a little more for a few added nutrients, vitamins and minerals aka a "Boost." Why not, right?

I started to play with the idea of a boost. Jamba's selling and I'm buying. But I began to wonder: What other things in my life give me a boost? A boost of energy. A boost of joy. A spiritual boost. I need one. We all do.

This question became a journal prompt in Sports and Spirituality. What is a spiritual boost for you? What, if anything, gives your spiritual life a boost? It was easy to ask because I have found so many answers in both domains. Here are but a few.

Spirituality: 

• Every morning I take my cup of fresh, hot coffee to my desk. I open my laptop computer and read the Daily Reflection from Dynamic Catholic. The image and message serve as a spiritual start to my day. The words resonate with me and my heart. I read this briefest of reflections and feel grateful or challenged. #StarterBoost
  
  
  
  
  
• Today with Moreau: After my #StarterBoost, I read the news. I then move to my work email where I find a daily message with words from the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Father Basil Moreau, CSC lived in 19th century France. His words are timeless, poignant and provide perspective. In many ways we have changed. In other ways, humanity has not.
  
  Here are but three examples:

• Those who neglect study will never acquire the kind of amount of  knowledge necessary for the proper fulfillment of their duties. (Letters)
• All those who have been entrusted with the admirable task of education should unite in a spirit of zeal and devotedness.  (Letters)
• While we prepare useful citizens for society, we shall likewise do our utmost to prepare citizens for eternal life.  (Letters)

Sports:

• My team played golf at CordeValle on one of the hottest afternoons this Fall. We all found comfort and beauty in the shade of the Oak tree. Looking at the majesty of God's creation...it's just so California! My favorite tree can't help but give me a spiritual boost.
  
  
• Do you like the San Diego Padres new retro unis? The yellow and brown? It's bold! It's bad. But, it is comprised of something that gives me a spiritual boost: color. I hate to admit it, but Dodger blue—it's bad, too. Only this bad is good. 
  
  
• Although I am posting this last, the CBS Sunday Morning Series "Football Field of Dreams" is the primary example that emerges as a spiritual boost. A friend shared this video clip with me and I was so inspired, I shared it with my golf team. We often complain about the burrowing animals and holes at Shoreline golf course. Our challenges pale in comparison to this team's. 
• The tiny town of Branson, Colorado, was proud of its football team, but what many found offensive was their football field, dubbed the worst in America. So, the players and students threw a "Hail Mary" pass to raise funds for a field without gopher holes and grass as sharp as cactus. Correspondent Steve Hartman reports on how Branson's Bearcats found themselves back in the game.

Check it out! You'll certainly get a spiritual shot in the arm.

We live in a time when many people are talking about a boost of a the COVID-19 vaccine. Who will get one? When? As I hope and pray for more people to get their first, second or booster shot, I invite all of us to think of the spiritual boosts we give and that we get. Side effects? Stronger spirits, gratitude and appreciation. Sounds like soul food to me!

Photo Credits
Football Field of Dreams
Jamba J
Padres Brown is Back
Prayer as Relationship