Late last year as both the NBA and the NHL moved deeper into the playoffs and closer to an eventual champion, we were reminded of how one team needs to win 16 games to eventually be the one to hoist the Stanley Cup or the Larry O'Brien trophy. While they didn't have to go undefeated, you'd still hear players and coaches say that that's when they have to peak. They needed to save their best for last.

It reminds me of the story of Jesus's first public miracle at the wedding in Cana and how the headwaiter remarked that "you have kept the good wine until now." In other words, they saved the best for last.

As we continue to evaluate our daily walk and what we're doing -- or not doing -- in the quest to spend eternity in God's Heavenly Kingdom, let's challenge ourselves to view our approach through the lens of sports and decide, Are we coasting through the regular season and just going through the motions with Sunday Mass and occasional prayer, hoping to save the best for last when we *think* we might be nearing our judgement day, or *are* we putting in the reps daily to glorify God and strive for holiness?

Let us ask St. Sebastian for his intercession.

Author's Bio: 

Bruce Wawrzyniak is the host and creator of "Catholic Sports Radio," a weekly podcast that helps listeners find the right balance and priority when it comes to their faith life versus their sports life. Interviews are done with guests who are Catholics in sports -- current or former athletes, coaches, referees/umpires, clergy, administrators, and more from the pro, amateur, and scholastic ranks. The show can be heard at www.CatholicSportsRadio.net or via links there for most podcast apps/platforms.