Yes, its NFL playoff Saturday and the City of New Orleans is hosting a game. For only the 6th time in Saint's history the great Crescent City is hosting a big playoff game. Today the Saints are playing the Arizona Cardinals making this a truly "Catholic" sounding encounter. Of course we all know that Saints enjoy a higher ranking than Cardinals.
I really won't use this column to talk about the x's and o's of the game or predict the final score or explain how the Saints will win because I live here. I'll leave it to watching the game because ultimately, the game is won or lost on the field. In the end, at this stage of the year, it's all about who executes better, who blocks and tackles better, which coaching staff designed the best plan. Oh we can cheer and scream and wish and pray, but it is left up to our guys beating their guys.
What is significant about today is that a little more hope and excitement prevails in New Orleans and the surrounding area. The Saints, as I have explained earlier, bring our area together. In many ways they define us. For years, like our city and area, the lovable underdogs learned how to have fun and party with the best whether in good or bad times. Like our city, despite being loved by the masses, they just can't get out of their own way. Like our city and area, dealt one of the most devastating blows ever with Hurricane Katrina. The early reports were New Orleans would never rebuild and the Saints would stay in San Antonio or Los Angeles.
Not so, not so. The people of New Orleans are rebuilding. And they continue to bring New Orleans back every day through their great efforts despite unbelievable ineptness by city, local, state and national government. And the Saints are here in New Orleans, complete with a new long term deal that keeps them here and playing in the miracle that is the Louisiana Superdome.
The amazing season of 2006, the Monday night miracle, the big win over Philly and the trip to a NFC championship game in January 2007 revitalized a city and an area given up for dead just one short year earlier. And here we are, 3 years later, witnessing the amazing 13 game winning streak and another divisional championship. We suffered for 3 weeks but arrive this afternoon at another game that potentially places the Saints in the NFC championship again. And if that be the case, the NFC championship is in New Orleans.
Knowing how many who read this may not be a Saints fan, or even a football fan, or even wondering why a Catholic Deacon is blogging about the Saints; well, I can't do anything in my power to help you understand.
If the Saints happen to not prevail, Iwill be disappointed but not devastated. I understand where NFL football ranks in the priorities of life; especially eternal life. If they win, and win I want them to do, I will be ecstatic but again, in context. I will be excited for the win, for the chance to move closer to the Super Bowl and for a city and region that needs to feel good about who they are and what they have accomplished.
So Geaux Saints and celebrate mightily people of New Orleans and the area; we all deserve something that brings us together and gives us great joy and happiness. Bring home a win guys!
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