“Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8)
Yes, this Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday. It is a fun and exciting day for the football enthusiast as it is the culmination of the National Football League’s season. There’s lots and lots of hype; there’s lots and lots of build up about all the commercials that will be shown. Compared to previous Super Bowls, it is thought that one and a half billion chicken wings (among other snacks) will be eaten during the game. In many small towns all across America, local utility companies are suggesting that everyone not go to the bathroom at half time for fear of dropping the local water table to dangerously low levels!
What a reaction there is to this one Sunday out of the year! It causes such attention (and participation in some way by almost everyone) that all forms of normal schedules are altered. Even in the Pastor’s Lutheran Planning Calendar that is sent out to us in December, the Sunday of the Super Bowl is so marked on that date (exactly like it is when it is a major or minor festival of the church year) as a way to help ministries remember not to plan anything on that day!
God said to honor the Sabbath and keep it holy. For Christians, the Sabbath shifted from the Friday-Saturday Sabbath (from sundown to sundown) to Sunday, the day that our Lord was raised from the dead (resurrection day). What’s so holy about “Super Bowl Sunday”? How many Lutheran pastors will preach short sermons in order to get home in time for “the hours of hype” before the game begins? How many pastors will wear the colors of their favorite teams (either as a pin on their alb or an especially-made stole? (Believe me, I wouldn’t put it past some pastors!)
Martin Luther would say that the Sabbath should be respected and honored by worship and rest. But he also once said that every day of the week should be honored as much, that respect and honor should carry over into each day we live. We should revere the gift of life—each day we are alive—no matter what day of the week it might be.
Is it any wonder that Dr. Luther would say that baptism is something we should experience every day of our lives: not that we should run to a font somewhere or down to the river and dunk ourselves over and over each day, but rather remember our baptisms by seeking the forgiveness of God on a daily basis. Forgiveness is one of the marvelous gifts given at baptism.
Respect life. Respect one another. Honor the day, no matter what day it is, and, when the Sabbath comes around, go into the joy it professes so that each day of the week will carry that hope and joy as well!
Make everyday a Sabbath day. That’s not to take away from Sunday—for Sundays are where we are especially blessed, strengthened, and inspired to carry on into the week! Sabbath is the day for rest and contemplation of all that God has done – all that His Son, our Lord and Saviour, has done for us through His passion, suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension!
So, maybe we begin our “Super Sunday” by starting the party at church, at the table where we receive not so much snacks—but the bread of life and the cup of blessing—life and blessing that will carry us on throughout the approaching week!
And, in keeping with the minor festival it has become, may your favorite team fare well!
Love the Sabbath!
Remember that God loves you and so do we!
Pastor Jim