Home Court Advantage

“Father!!!” Guille suddenly burst into the office scaring the daylights out of me.
“Hey, dude, chill! Hope there isn’t some fire or earthquake. You nearly gave me a heart attack!”
“I’m sorry, Father. I’m so excited coz we’re going to have the final game in school this Saturday.”
“And all the commotion-emotion?”
“We have home court advantage, Father!!!”
“Congratulations!”
“Thanks, Father!!! We’re going to win this one this time.”
“Does home court advantage mean a sure win?” I asked.
“Definitely not, Father!” Guille rectified. “I guess things are more in our favor. Like, being familiar with the field, the grass, and also the homey atmosphere and support of those who will come to watch this final game.”
“And what will it take to win?”
“Playing it well, of course!”

* * *

This conversation with Guille made me realize that the concept of ‘home court advantage’ can be applied to the spiritual life and struggle. I was thinking that it can enrich our idea of some Sacraments like confession because many perceive it in limited and dry concept, like ‘going to a dry-cleaning machine’, as Pope Francis described in his recent book The Name of God is Mercy.

Naturally, analogies have their limitations. In this case, for example, confession can never be reduced to some sport or game because it is a channel of grace, an encounter with Christ that helps us to become holy.

Applying ‘home court advantage’ to the Sacrament of Confession, as well as the Eucharist, illustrates how it equips us with the best conditions to progress and bear fruit in the spiritual life.

Just as Guille described, home court advantage gives one a sense of familiarity and confidence because one is playing or struggling in a field which has a conducive and supportive atmosphere nurtured by loving spectators or fans.

All these elements confirm an advantage or edge in our spiritual struggle. One can imagine that with grace restored (after going to Confession) or strengthened (after actively participating in the Mass), the person can re-engage himself meritoriously in prayers, sacrifices and good works.

There is the ‘atmosphere of joy’ of being once again in the ‘state of grace’. This is a condition that affords us optimism, fortitude and initiative because our divine sonship (like that of the prodigal son) has been restored and strengthened anew.

Likewise, one has greater confidence because he knows he does not struggle alone. Within the wonderful Communion of Saints, he is supernaturally aware that there are others who depend on his sincere and generous struggle, and that he can also count on the powerful intercession of our Lady, St. Joseph, and the prayers of all the saints both the living and the dead.

But this spiritual home court advantage has another very important lesson: it does not mean definitive victory for the person.  God, through His Sacraments, undoubtedly gives us something that only He can give: sanctifying grace. But He will not play the game of our life (our free choices) for us. It is up to us, you and me, to correspond generously to grace.

Together with all the advantages of playing in this ‘home court’ one must correspond personally to God’s grace. This personal spiritual struggle means being constantly focused at a concrete goal flowing from a clear strategy and carried out with constancy, perseverance, and creativity.

Putting this all into play in home court advantage will convert us into authentic witnesses of the Gospel, disciples of our Lord, and beacons of joy and peace for many of our Christian brothers and sisters. Finally, it fills us with great spiritual joy to make our Father God happy, our Lady, St. Joseph, and all the saints spectating and cheering as we make daily scores for the glory of God and all souls.