Billboard I saw today

[book_and_bead]

I was driving home on the highway in northern NJ (287 near Pompton Plains) when I spotted an electronic billboard that had a picture of a child in prayer with blue and orange stripes across his nose, accompanied by the text, “You Gotta Believe.” I thought it kind of odd; I know this is a reference to the Mets and their dismal showing thus far at the World Series. They’ve used that catchphrase since the 60’s. I’m not a sports fan and don’t care who wins either way, but does this border on irreverent for us Catholics? Considering the state of the world today, I can think of other things to pray for than a sports team. What do you think? Am I being too critical or is that setting a bad example?

 

[Catholic1954]

I was driving home on the highway in northern NJ (287 near Pompton Plains) when I spotted an electronic billboard that had a picture of a child in prayer with blue and orange stripes across his nose, accompanied by the text, “You Gotta Believe.” I thought it kind of odd; I know this is a reference to the Mets and their dismal showing thus far at the World Series. They’ve used that catchphrase since the 60’s. I’m not a sports fan and don’t care who wins either way, but does this border on irreverent for us Catholics? Considering the state of the world today, I can think of other things to pray for than a sports team. What do you think? Am I being too critical or is that setting a bad example?

A little too critical. It’s just a ballgame and it offers a pleasant, exciting diversion to many people, in these uncertain times.

 

[GEddie]

Not in the best of taste, but no big deal, IMNAAHO.

No worse than the term “Hail Mary Pass” in football.

ICXC NIKA

 

[Lily_Bernans]

I agree, it’s just a tad too critical. It’s not exactly reverent, but it’s not really critical, either. It assumes that prayer can bring about positive results. Whoever thought it up didn’t use the best judgment, but in a world filled with hunger and pain, a little diversion can be a good thing.

 

[Olympic_Miss]

Billboard doesn’t sound that bad to me. I think God wants us to ask for little things as well as the big ones like world peace, the conversion of sinners, reverence for the Eucharist.
Jesus might have been a baseball fan Himself if He were here today!
All we need to do is keep things in perspective.

And, Lily, your Teresa of Avila quote is one of my favorites. Three more lines to it are:

Patience gains all things
Who has God wants nothing
God alone suffices.

 

[Beryllos]

I see nothing wrong with the billboard. Maybe it will remind some lucky sinners to pray.

 

[book_and_bead]

Thanks everyone! I see from many threads on these boards that scrupulosity is something that we struggle with often, especially new Catholics like me!

 

[Tarpeian_Rock]

I was driving home on the highway in northern NJ (287 near Pompton Plains) when I spotted an electronic billboard that had a picture of a child in prayer with blue and orange stripes across his nose, accompanied by the text, “You Gotta Believe.” I thought it kind of odd; I know this is a reference to the Mets and their dismal showing thus far at the World Series. They’ve used that catchphrase since the 60’s. I’m not a sports fan and don’t care who wins either way, but does this border on irreverent for us Catholics? Considering the state of the world today, I can think of other things to pray for than a sports team. What do you think? Am I being too critical or is that setting a bad example?

Then I guess you wouldn’t be comfortable with the numerous times I’ve heard a priest at Mass mention prayer for the Red Sox . . . . or Notre Dame football. Really not a big deal.

 

[book_and_bead]

Then I guess you wouldn’t be comfortable with the numerous times I’ve heard a priest at Mass mention prayer for the Red Sox . . . . or Notre Dame football. Really not a big deal.

No, I wouldn’t have a problem with that at all because I’m sure that’s added in with prayer for other things and done in a lighthearted manner. I’ve never heard our pastor do that but I’ve only returned to the church in 2014 after a 34 year absence.

I went to St. Joe’s in Philly and although I never attended the Masses there, I’m sure there was a call for prayer for the Hawks during March Madness!

After reading the posts here by others I can see how I was being overly critical. That’s why I’m here, to learn from others!