More than a spectacle of athleticism and national pride, the Olympic Games are a celebration of the often nearly-incredible capabilities of the human body – and spirit. Whether you’re glued to the screen or just catching snippets of record-breaking performances, feeling a surge of admiration for these athletes is almost inevitable. But beyond the awe lies an opportunity for self-discovery. Watching the Olympics can help us uncover our own hidden potential.
Each event showcases the physical wonders of the human body: speed, strength, agility, and endurance pushed to the limit. But these feats are more than just physical; they are the result of years, even decades, of dedication, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As we watch athletes break barriers and set new records, we are reminded of the potential within each of us.
Olympians of the spirit
We may not be training for a gold medal, but the Olympic spirit can inspire us to tap into our own strengths. Perhaps it’s not physical prowess, but mental tenacity that drives us forward in our personal or professional lives. The same determination that drives a gymnast to land a perfect routine can inspire us to approach challenges with renewed vigor.
The Olympics teach us that greatness is not just about talent. It is mostly about resilience, discipline, commitment, and an unyielding search for improvement. These are qualities that we can all cultivate, regardless of our athletic ability. By watching these athletes, we can learn to face our own challenges, set new goals, and push ourselves beyond our perceived limits.
Watching the Olympics is about cheering on our favorite athletes (and countries), but it can also be a reminder that some capacity for greatness exists within all of us. Their perseverance and prowess can truly encourage us to discover and unleash our own potential – whatever it may be. Indeed, the Olympics teach us a spiritual lesson hiding in plain sight.
Think of saints as the Olympians of the spirit. Just as athletes push the boundaries of the body, saints can be said to transcend the limits of the mind and spirit through prayer, contemplation, justice, and charity. Their lives inspire us to pursue other kinds of excellence. Whether on the track or in the heart, the pursuit of virtue (be it physical or spiritual) requires similar discipline and devotion, leading us to discover the profound capacities within ourselves.
And today we celebrate...