Striving for gold, body and soul

Every four years, the eyes of the world focus on the Olympic Games, a celebration of human athletic achievement which embody values that resonate deeply with Christian teachings and Gospel values.

As we explore the intersection of Olympism and faith, we find a shared emphasis on personal growth, community, and the pursuit of a higher purpose.

Put aside for a while the controversy surrounding a segment of the recent Paris Olympics opening ceremony, and focus on the bigger picture of these two weeks of sports life.

The Olympic Charter outlines three core values: excellence, respect, and friendship. These principles not only guide the world’s premier sporting event but also reflect fundamental Christian virtues that can enrich our spiritual lives.

Striving for excellence encourages athletes to be the best they can be, pushing the boundaries of human potential. This pursuit of greatness echoes the Christian call to holiness and the cultivation of God-given talents.

Like Olympians who train tirelessly for their moment of glory, Christians are called to discipline themselves in faith, constantly striving to grow closer to God and embody His love in the world.

Olympic respect extends beyond mere sportsmanship. It encompasses respect for oneself, for rules, for opponents, and for the environment. This multifaceted view of respect aligns with the Christian understanding of human dignity and the sanctity of God’s creation.

As Christians we can appreciate the importance of respect in sports. This respect for the inherent worth of every individual reflects the Gospel message of love and compassion for all of God’s children.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of the Olympics is their power to bring people together, setting aside rivalries of differing kinds in a celebration of shared humanity. Granted, this seems the most difficult of all to realise, with the history of wars fought and differing political ideologies since the start of the Olympic Games. But this spirit of friendship and unity echoes the Christian call to love one’s neighbour and build a community of faith.

The Olympics aims to contribute to a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport, practised without discrimination and in a spirit of friendship, solidarity, and fair play. This vision aligns with Jesus’ teachings on love and unity.

The Olympic Charter describes Olympism as a philosophy of life that combines the qualities of body, will, and mind in a balanced whole. This integrated approach to human development resonates with the Christian understanding of the person as a unity of body and soul.

By blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good example, and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.

These aspirations parallel the Christian journey of faith, which calls believers to find joy in serving God, to be examples of Christ’s love, and to uphold moral principles in all aspects of life.

As we watch athletes pushing the boundaries of human potential, we are reminded of our own call to excellence in faith and service. The spirit of respect and friendship that permeates the Games challenges us to see the divine in others and build bridges of understanding in our increasingly divided world.

By embracing these shared values, we can work towards the Olympic goal of building a peaceful and better world, while simultaneously answering the Gospel call to be salt and light in our communities.

In doing so, we honour both the highest ideals of sport and the teachings of Christ, striving for gold in both body and soul.