Jesus was a football star

Jan 31, 2007 by Daniel Ross-Jones

The Ascension confirmation students have been painting a mural in the hallway outside of the synod office over the past two weeks. (The synod office is located in leased space in a wing of the church.) The images are self-portraits of themselves, and the addition of bright, vibrant color in the hallway has stirred up a lot of discussion.

My favorite is a girl who imagined herself with art deco qualities. You can spot the pastors of the congregation from a mile away, but in the center is the image that receives the most attention. It’s a tall man — standing at least six-foot-five in the hallway that is only seven feet tall, with a familiar golden glow surrounding his head. He’s wearing a sports jersey, and holding a helmet at his right hip. His left hand is extended, inviting you in to the game.

I never knew Jesus was a football star. I’m not a football fan; truth be told I think the game is a disgusting waste of time and energy — but there’s something to that imagery. In an environment when religious strife is all too prevalent, these youth have created an image of Jesus they can relate to, and one that is completely different from every image we have seen before. It’s an image that challenges all definition, that violates all conventional boundaries. It’s an image of a youthful Jesus, just hanging out and playing a pick-up game with his friends.

And he wants you to join in. There’s room for you in the game. Whoever it is you happen to be.

I like it.

Related Posts

Tags

Share This