Mardi Gras is early this year and the season was put into high gear this week by a Superbowl ‘Dat’ Tuesday parade in downtown New Orleans.  Several of us attended the event along with thousands of other eager fans to celebrate this historic time in the Big Easy.  Marching bands, brightly lit floats and wall to wall black and gold shirts filled the sidewalks, curbs and barricades as the team’s players and coaches rolled out from the Dome to the Convention Center.

In the chill of a cold February evening the city forgets her woes and the sounds of jubilation ring out from every street.  It is a bit surreal, not only because of the incredible ending to a miraculous Saints season, but because of a special unity weaving throughout every social class. It’s as if each person has grabbed on to the hope found in victory and the struggle it takes to achieve it.  Even non-football fanatics are buying hats and shirts and stickers to join in the buzz.

We pray that the short-term focus on our NFL success will bring joy to those who love the region, but we also pray that we will remember the still-aching citizenry and their ongoing needs. We pray for eternal perspectives of hope in Christ. We pray for more opportunities to rejoice and reflect as we dwell on temporal blessings that lift our eyes towards our Father from whom all blessings flow.

May the Spirit of the living God open hearts so that they may see the peace of Christ reigning forever.