He’s going from pitcher to pastor, from saving games to saving souls.
This week Major League Baseball bid its final farewell to one of the greatest closers in the history of the game. After more than 19 years as a professional athlete with the New York Yankees, Mariano Rivera retired from baseball but will continue in his first vocation - the one he has had since his baptism – disciple of Christ. Along with his wife Clara, he has begun construction on an evangelical church in New Rochelle, New York to bring God’s message of hope and peace, to serve the needs of the community, especially of the youth, and to put them on a path to Christ.
There is no doubt Mariano’s faith and memories of his childhood have made him the man he has become. From his roots in a poor fishing village in Panama, Rivera has put his faith into practice for many years. He has built elementary schools in his native country and in New York has established programs to bring technology to the underprivileged and Christmas gifts to children most in need.
In recent years professional baseball players have been duly scrutinized and fewer major league athletes have served as authentic role models to our young. We should not forget to recognize the many men and women, along with Mariano, who proudly profess their faith on the field and off. We thank them for answering two calls in life: his joy of the game and their love of the Lord.
On his baseball glove, Rivera has written the words from St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians (4:13), “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Words for all of us to live by!
