Sunday, February 22, 2026 – The First Sunday in Lent
The news and other developments which occurred during the first week of February were disturbing as I heard them. It dipped me to a low moment of wondering where we are heading as a society. Then on Friday evening, February 6 as I was settling down, I watched parts of the Opening Ceremonies of the Milan Winter Olympics. During these ceremonies, International Olympic Committee President Kristy Coventry addressed the athletes and the crowd assembled. These are excerpts of her remarks:
“This is why we all love the Olympic Games. Because through you, we see the very best of ourselves. You remind us that we can be brave. That we can be kind. And that we can get back up, no matter how hard we fall.”
“You’ll show us that strength isn’t just about winning – it’s about courage, empathy and heart.”
“When we see an athlete stumble and find the strength to rise, we are reminded that we can do the same.”
“When we see rivals embrace at the end of a finish line, we are reminded that we can choose respect.”
“When we see grace, courage and friendship – we remember the kind of people we all want to be.”
“The spirit of the Olympic Games is about so much more than sport. It is about us – and what makes us human.”
When she concluded her remarks, I felt my hope was restored.
The Olympics are not pure; I am not naive about this. Doping, nationalism, cheating, and unjust judging have marred the games for years. But what Coventry said is true. The “Olympic Spirit” can be an inspiration and model for us all.
In the opening verses of the Bible, as we hear the story of creation, we hear what God created was good!!! In our dark moments when we are prone to depression and despair, we need to recall those creation verses and our own life experiences and identify the good, because the good is ever present. Lights do shine, some dimmer than others, but they are there. As we deal with uncertainty, we must remain certain that God’s presence is evident in our time. Let us not ever forget that God’s creation is good and that good will be manifested to us. Even when it is not clearly apparent.