Peace be with you, dear readers, and may the Lord shine His benevolent light upon all the good people of this wonderful country – I believe it's America, yes? – especially those busy in the halls of governance. I, your humble Pope Popsicle, have been given a most fascinating dispatch to ponder today, something about... sports.
My goodness, the modern world certainly invents many new ways to categorize our endeavors! I hear from my esteemed colleagues at the Hambry newsroom that the Senate – may God bless their diligent hearts – has passed a bill declaring collegiate athletics to be a 'Profitable Charitable Endeavor.' Well, isn't that something! I confess, my children, when I hear 'charity,' my thoughts turn to the poor, to those who need succor, to the words of the Good Book: 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' (Matthew 25:40, if my memory serves, or perhaps it was a particularly profound fortune cookie.) The idea of 'profitable' charity is, shall we say, a novel combination. Like a very spicy wafer, perhaps? Unexpected but... intriguing.
I understand these young athletes, these energetic students, they pour their hearts into these games, running and jumping and throwing with such vigor! May the Lord bless their strong legs and quick minds. And the universities, bless their venerable halls, they must be doing good work, nurturing young souls and minds, even if the funds flow in a manner that is... complex. 'Money makes the world go round,' as the old saying goes, though I always thought it was prayer, or perhaps just the rotation of the Earth, in saecula saeculorum. I am sure these university presidents and booster clubs, whom I bless wholeheartedly, have the best intentions, truly. They are stewards of these grand institutions, and guiding them through financial currents must be a tremendous task.
This reminds me, oddly enough, of a time a few of us cardinals organized a very spirited game of bocce ball in the Vatican gardens. Oh, the competitive spirit! Cardinal Umberto, bless his soul, was absolutely convinced that by winning, he was performing a charitable act by 'lifting the spirits' of his opponents. And he always demanded extra gelato as his 'profit'! We all indulged him, of course, because his enthusiasm was infectious, though I doubt the official Vatican ledgers ever listed 'Gelato for Spirit-Lifting Bocce' as a line item.
So, this 'Profitable Charitable Endeavor' for college sports. It is indeed a testament to human ingenuity, perhaps even a new theological concept for me to ponder during my quiet moments. May the Lord grant wisdom to all involved, especially these energetic young people who play the games. May their efforts be rewarded, whether by a touchdown or by something far more enduring. And may the lawmakers, and the university presidents, and the coaches, and the fans, all find peace and clarity in their endeavors. And perhaps, a moment to reflect on what truly constitutes a charitable heart. Pax vobiscum, my dear children, until we speak again.
