Salem State MA baseball team gathering to enjoy a victory.

We have only to keep our eyes and minds open to discover everyday graces. This happened to me in the unlikely place of a baseball field where my grandson and his college team were playing preseason games.

Here is what I saw on the playing field:

1. The team rallied to win in the last inning.

2. The team held off a rally by the opposing time to win.

3. The team was boisterous in cheering, never lost enthusiasm in the face of errors or missed opportunities, and supported every player regardless of performance.

Here are the truths I saw:

1 It is never too late to accept God’s winning gift of love. We see this with the thief on the cross and the healing miracles of those whose faith sustained them for many years of poor health and crippling handicaps.

2. We are called to “Fight the good fight, finish the race, keep the faith.” This is the Christian response to the problems, evils, and snares of life.

3. We are a team called The Church. We cannot fight the good fight alone, we receive strength through unity, and celebrate and support as one.

The outcome of every baseball game, or any sport contest, is uncertain—victory must be earned. The outcome of a life lived with faith is certain and has already been earned.

Scripture footnotes:

1. The thief on the cross: “And he was saying, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!’ And He said to him, ‘Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’” (Luke 42-43). See also all the healing miracles such as Mark 5:34 “He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’”

2. The good fight: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7).

3. The purpose of the Church is to bring God's people together for mutual strengthening, encouragement, and equipping.