Religious Education   

 I must admit, I have been coming to school a little bleary eyed over the past two weeks as my love of watching tennis kept me up till the wee hours of the morning watching the US Open. I am constantly in awe of the dedication, skill, strength and perseverance of many of the top players but this year's women's final caught my attention for another reason. Watching Coco Gauff kneel and pray after winning the final against Aryna Sabalenka, the now No.1 player in the world. Interestingly enough, it obviously caught the attention of many other viewers also. 

Below is an article I'd like to share written by Joe Hoover for the "Jesuit Review"

U.S. Open tennis champ Coco Gauff and the witness of prayer

After mounting a ferocious comeback and defeating Aryna Sabalenka in three sets in the women’s finals of the U.S. Open on Sunday, 19-year-old Coco Gauff knelt in front of her courtside chair, folded her hands, closed her eyes and prayed. I cannot exactly explain why, but watching it felt like a relief. It drew me in. It took about 11 seconds, but I could have watched her pray for much longer.

In the trophy ceremony afterward, Ms. Gauff told former American tennis star Mary Jo Fernández that when she prays, it is not to win matches: “I just ask that, you know, I get the strength to give it my all and what happens happens. I’m so blessed in this life.”

The whole thing made me think that (obviously) God is important in this young woman’s life; and that maybe I could make God even more central to my own.

Coco Gauff is a stunning tennis player, hustling east to west on the court chasing down balls no earthly creature should ever be able to chase down. She is a marvel to witness. Her prayer too is a marvel, not for anything having to do with its unique cultural instantiation, or social framing, but the fact that, simply, we get to be around it. When you watch an athlete you love compete, you become that athlete. You become Ms. Gauff, hitting blistering forehands down the line, crumpling at her double faults, screaming with delight when she wins; and, just maybe, praying when she prays. Maybe the first job, the only real job of a Christian when seeing someone pray like that, humbly, fervently, in public, is to witness it. Be moved by it. Join her, and PRAY!

"Coco Gauff discusses moment of prayer after US Open win, 'I was just saying Thank-You'"

Through all the hardships and disappointment in life, we always have something to be grateful for:- a sunny day, a call from a friend, a hug from a child. When we take the time to be grateful for our gifts, let us spend , even just 11 seconds, to pray our thanks and gratitude to God!