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Radio 4,2 mins

Ryder Cup Weekend. Rev Dr Rob Marshall - 25/09/2021

Thought for the Day

Available for over a year

Good Morning. Slowly but surely, international sporting tournaments are once again taking place. And later today, having been cancelled back in 2020, play will resume at Whistling Straights on day two of the Ryder Cup as the international golfing spectacle continues. Yesterday, I took an early morning walk along the public footpaths of a stunning golf course near where I’m based in West Sussex for a few days. It was obvious why people of all ages were enjoying their golf in the lovely autumnal setting. Indeed, the beauty of creation in all seasons & weathers is one of the reasons why so many seem attracted to golf. As well as the discipline of membership, developing a skill and the friendship which the sport encourages. The much-examined relationship between faith and sport usually begins with an appraisal of the particular sport in question. Is it, for instance, an individual or team sport or, as is the case with the Ryder Cup, a combination of both? In Christianity, St Paul, undoubtedly influenced by the Roman and Greek cultures of his day, stresses that regardless of all these things -including the result - it’s the taking part that really counts in any sport for everyone has a contribution to make. But back to possible parables the Ryder Cup might conjure up for us this weekend after months of isolation and uncertainty. Indeed, it’s teamwork and the team spirit which Jose Maria Olazabal, a former Europe winning Captain highlighted this week as been crucial in the pursuit of success. And if a positive outcome is about shared cultures and experiences isn’t it obvious that one of the reasons so many of us missed one another during extended periods in lockdown is because we were quite simply on our own for too long? Which is why so many are now happy to be back sharing that team spirit physically at work, school, the gym or wherever we meet others. And as far as keeping a positive mindset American vice-captain Zack Johnson, a member of the American Team playing this weekend is very public and clear about how faith helps him keep a proper sense of perspective. He goes as far as to take a verse of Scripture with him onto the Course one of which is Psalm 24.7 which I paraphrase as appropriate for Today listeners during this Ryder Cup weekend. Lift up your heads. Lift them up. Don’t look down. Keep your eye on the course and remember that you are not alone.

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