February 9

CHARITY is giving a bolt to a competitor

Jesus said, “Love your enemies.”  ~ Matthew 5:44

The Italian team of Monti and Siorpraes was heavily favored to win the Olympic bobsled event in 1964 in Germany. 

They had great first and second runs; but a little-regarded British team of Nash and Dixon had an even greater first run.  Their axle broke, however, just before their scheduled second run.  They were crushed. 

To the amazement of everyone, Monti removed the bolt from his Italian sled and gave it to the British team. 

Nash and Dixon went on to win the gold in a tremendous upset victory, while Monti and Siorpraes settled for the bronze. 

In a bit of poetic justice, Monti would lead the Italian two-and-four man sleds to gold medals four years later.  ~ Mark Link, S.J.

The sportsmanship of the Italian team is a beautiful image of the kind of love Jesus invites us to show our enemies in our daily lives.  How well do we as Knights demonstrate true sportsmanship?

For when the One Great Scorer comes
To write against your name,
He marks – not that you won or lost –
But how you played the game. 
~ Grantland Rice

Send comments or questions to the web page editor, webmaster