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Together We Go Forward With Jesus 
What makes a sports team a winning team? Why is it that a certain team always seems to win its games? There must be a secret formula for its success. Let me suggest a possible answer. First, under the leadership of good coaching, the members of the team have to be in tip-top physical shape. This means that they have to do their calisthenics well without goofing off. The better physical shape they are in, the better they will be able to play the game and not suffer injuries. Second, they need to learn the fundamentals of the game; for instance, in football, players need to learn blocking and tackling. To block properly requires doing something that contradicts natural instincts. For example, to put on a good block, players have to keep their heads up. The natural tendency would be to turn away from an oncoming object, in this case, the opposing players. Turning their heads away from oncoming opponents would expose the players' backs to injury and also result in missed blocks. Players have to practice the fundamentals so much that they automatically do the proper thing rather than the natural thing. It is absolutely necessary in the excitement of a game to master this procedure. Third, the players must be united and act as one team rather than a group of individuals trying to be stars. This unity requires team spirit: all for one and one for all. This is the formula for a winning team and being champions.
This is also the formula for success in life. The goal in life is to be a good person, loving Christ and your fellow human beings. To do this, you have to be in tip-top spiritual shape. First, under the leadership of Jesus, you need to be faithful to worshiping God at Mass and receiving the Sacraments, especially Reconciliation and Holy Communion. Second, you need to be always aware of the teachings of Christ by living the Beatitudes and believe, love and hope with all your might. It is absolutely necessary that you master this commitment in the excitement of life. Third, you must be united with Christ and his Church, be truly interested in sharing the gospel and the knowledge and love of Jesus with others. Jesus said, "Go make disciples of all the nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you. And know that I am with you always until the end of the world!" This is the formula for success and happiness in this life. This is the formula for winning and being champions with the Lord. Go forward with Jesus. Msgr. Daniel Cardelli Italian Catholic Federation, 8393 Capwell Drive, Suite 110, Oakland CA 94621 tel: 888/ICF-1924; 510/633-9058; fax: 510/633-9758; Email: info@icf.org Website designed by HYPERSPHERE |