The Heart of Reverence in a World of Spectacle

I have been boasting about the beauty of the Opening Ceremonies of the 2024 Paris Olympics and even using it as a backdrop to my blogs. My heart swelled with pride and joy at the grandeur of the event.

I was amazed at the details and the artistry -- not to mention all the precision it took for it all to come together so succinctly. But, today, a kink was found in my awe and wonder. I’ll admit I didn’t see the spectacle until I started seeing friends’ postings. Isn’t it just like the enemy of our souls to throw in an absolutely horrendous curve ball to all that beauty?

My spirit was deeply troubled. The Lord's Supper, a sacred ritual and the statement of our faith in following our Lord’s command is of profound significance. It was presented in a manner that was mockingly irreverent by drag queens.

The scene left me grappling with a mix of emotions. The Lord's Supper is significant and profound to our Christian faith. Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Mark 14:22-25). It is a privilege of deeply reflecting and remembering His ultimate sacrifice made for us. His body. His blood. For the atonement of our sins.

It is sacred. It is meant to be approached with reverence and humility. Seeing it portrayed in a context that feels intensely disrespectful is heartbreaking. It is a stark reminder of how our world can lose sight of the sacred in its pursuit of spectacle.

However, in moments like these, we are called to respond not with anger or bitterness, but with love. It is easy to be swept up in indignation, but our faith teaches us to lead with mercy and grace.

We must do what Jesus did -- He let His works be His response. He loved. He prayed for His enemies. And He let God respond for Him with His resurrection.

We are to be like Him – not to condemn but to love. Our words should be words of love that guides others towards a deeper understanding and appreciation of what is holy.

Let us continue to celebrate the joy and unity that the Olympics bring, but also stand firm in our faith, reminding the world of the importance of reverence and respect for the sacred. In doing so, we honor not just our beliefs, but the very spirit of humanity that seeks to find balance between celebration and sanctity.