For the last few years, a group has released a collection of some of the most spectacular and impressive athletic feats of the year.
The series is called: “People are Awesome” and this year, like every other, they have put together an outstanding compilation.
I have found these types of videos to be useful when teaching religion for two reasons: first of all, the amazing scenes are evidently appealing; second is the fact that they speak, between the lines, of the greatness of the human being and the depth of his/her desires.
People Are Awesome
Apostolic Elements
When I see videos such as these, I can’t help thinking that the human person is a spiritual being. One might ask, how did you jump to that conclusion? I think that to really understand, we need to try to comprehend not so much what is done in the video, but rather why it is done. Why don’t we conform ourselves to mediocrity? Why not scale a tiny mountain instead or perhaps jump a medium size ramp? Why are we willing to put everything on the line, longing for the heights of perfection? What is it that pulls at us when we look upon the tallest ramp, the most imposing mountain, the most unbelievable jump?
If the human person were truly a mere biological and material organism, these types of inquiries would be absurd. What does cliff jumping have to do with the instinctual urge for self-preservation? When was the last time you saw a dog launching itself off a cliff trying to fly? It’s safe to say that natural beings tend to accept their limits. Why don’t we? What mystery lies hidden amongst the folds of those tissues and tendons?
I’m not pretending to put forward this video as some kind of “ultimate proof” of our spiritual nature, but I do think that it helps to pose the question: if natural beings, inclining always towards a certain harmony, remain within their limits, then man registers as some kind of anomaly in the system. That is, unless the longings and desires of greatness refer to limits different from those of the natural world. Perhaps all the “record-breaking” and fantastic stunts that appear to surpass all limits are, in reality, our attempts at discovering those authentic limits, those that go beyond our daily conception and reveal our authentic place in this existence.
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
- August: Catholic Liturgical Living Guide
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly A Catholic Guide To August Links to purchase: Heart of Vines by Walking with Purpose, St. Lawrence Adult Socks by Sock Religious, Fiat Coffee Catholic Kids Guide To August Links to purchase: Choose! A Catholic Would You Rather, My First Examen Board Book, St. Clare of Assisi Adult Socks… Read more: August: Catholic Liturgical Living Guide - A Mission Field Is A Terrible Thing To Waste
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly The mission field is there for the taking. It is where you are now, where you were yesterday, and where you will be tomorrow. Each day brings new opportunities to promote your faith, either by word or deed. As I was approaching my teens, a visiting missionary family spoke… Read more: A Mission Field Is A Terrible Thing To Waste - Gospel Reflection: Eighteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time Year A
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist,he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself.The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns.When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd,his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured… Read more: Gospel Reflection: Eighteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time Year A - How & Why Catholics Should Have A Daily Prayer Routine
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly A “Daily Prayer Routine” is not a term that we hear of frequently. What does it actually mean? Do we really need to have a “routine” for prayer as such? Isn’t it enough to just go with the flow of the day, and pray whatever prayers we feel like… Read more: How & Why Catholics Should Have A Daily Prayer Routine - 6 Lessons Teaching Sunday School Taught Me
Facebook Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Print Friendly Reading Bible stories as a third party, I often wondered why certain characters behaved the way they did. Walk with me. Did you notice that many of the Old Testament prophets initially resisted God’s call? They came up with different excuses; Moses said he was a stammerer, Jeremiah told… Read more: 6 Lessons Teaching Sunday School Taught Me
