Trent Beattie for National Catholic Register. Interview with Sean Renfree: I’ve been asked by some people to attend their non-Catholic worship services. I thank them, but decline, and tell them that I’m Catholic for a reason. There’s something special about the Catholic Church that you can’t find anywhere else — the Eucharist. The sacramental presence of Jesus is what unifies us and gives power and meaning to every other good found in the Church.
Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist makes it easy to pray in church, but do you find it tough to pray in and around games, practices and other activities associated with pro football?
Football can be hectic and definitely keeps me busy, but I’ve still found it easy to keep praying at the beginning and end of the day — and also at various times in between. Short prayers throughout the day go a long way, as far as keeping me focused on what matters. The right focus, or intention, is what Matthew 6:22 is about, and we can only get that intention, and the resolve to follow through on it, by praying. The reason for this is that prayer connects our minds and hearts with God.
Short prayers are incredibly helpful, but sometimes there are challenges that require longer periods of prayer, so it can be crucial to step away and do some more in-depth communication with God and the saints. The Rosary has been a great tool to help guide me through obstacles, and my grandfather carries a rosary with him for this same reason. He calls it his “toolbox,” which is fitting, because Our Lady of the Rosary has a way of making things right. Read the whole interview here.
