Make the Circle Bigger

DAILY BYTE

With the kick-off to the long-awaited 2010 FIFA World Cup being just a few days away, the sense of excitement and anticipation is now reaching fever pitch here in South Africa. The teams that are competing have all arrived in the country, and visiting fans are also starting to stream in. Flags and vuvuzelas are in profuse evidence pretty much everywhere. As the tag-line for the marketing campaign puts it, ‘Feel it! It is here!’ And indeed it is – a hugely exciting and significant moment in our nation’s history.

One of the songs that’s been used in the build-up to the Soccer World Cup calls on all of us to “make the circle bigger.” Now, whatever you may think about the music and the rhythm of the song, those simple lyrics are truly profound – and are very good theology. Because “making the circle bigger” is precisely what the love and grace of God are all about.

In this final week before the World Cup kicks off, we’ll reflect on this important idea from a theological perspective. Because this World Cup is not just a sporting event – it holds the potential to shape our minds and our hearts if we choose to embrace the life-giving invitations that it extends for us to celebrate the gift of our common humanity.

PRAY AS YOU GO

Gracious God, thank you for this amazing event that will be taking place within our country. We pray your blessing upon the Soccer World Cup, that it would indeed be an opportunity for us to ‘make the circle bigger’ in our attitudes and our actions, as we affirm that we are all part of one human family, sharing your image and likeness. Amen

SCRIPTURE READING

Acts 10:34-36 (The Message)

Peter fairly exploded with his good news: "It's God's own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you're from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is being put together again—well, he's doing it everywhere, among everyone.