It was a random post that hit my Facebook feed late last week. The headline was “A Tale of Two Chiefs.” Normally, I’m scrolling at hyper-speed through the Meta minutia that vies for my attention, but this one was a quick blast, not unlike the short-and-sweet quips from Solomon’s Proverbs that are my current early-morning entrée. Who are the two Chiefs? and, Why are their stories notable?
The Chiefs in question are the home team in Kansas City; their reign at the top of the NFL pile continues to give them a platform. The “two Chiefs” occupy positions on the field that are second-tier spots: one is a tight end, the other a kicker. Sometimes notable for a clutch-play, their individual notoriety has been accomplished after their season-ending Super Bowl victory. What have they done?
It’s end-of-year time for schools across the country. At every level of education, endings are marks of achievement. Elementary, middle and high school graduates all deserve recognition, but college completion captures a level of attention that brings the clan together for graduation and the celebration that follows. The University of Cincinnati – with 29,989 in their undergrad community – convened their commencement on April 11th; Benedictine College – dwarfed by the U of C with only 2,261 student population at their Atchison, Kansas campus – followed a month later, on May 11th.
The University of Cincinnati’s official commencement speaker was their President, Neville Pinto, but Travis Kelce – famous for his football contributions as well as his romantic connections – was a surprise walk-on before Pinto gave his remarks. He had missed his own graduation two years earlier but returned with cap-and-gown – and a can of beer – to give his counsel to the Class of 2024. Eight words heard ‘round the world: “You gotta fight for your right to party!” followed by him chugging from the can-in-hand before leaving the lectern.
Just a month later, teammate Harrison Butker was scheduled to give the speech to the grads and families at Benedictine College, a Catholic school in the heartland. Butker is an unapologetic Catholic and found the basis for his address and advice in the beliefs he holds in common with Catholic teaching. Decidedly traditional and out-of-step with modern American culture, he elevated the timeless distinctions between men and women as healthy and declared that the identity that is found through biblical marriage and intact families will be richer over a lifetime than the career opportunities that are so often the sole focus of grads who are on the launch-pad of their adult future.
Mr. Butker’s remarks were both Christian – in their wider reach – and Catholic – in their more sectarian focus. He had no can-in-hand as he concluded with these words:
“I know that my message today had a little less fluff than is expected for these speeches, but I believe that this audience and this venue is the best place to speak openly and honestly about who we are and where we all want to go, which is heaven… Make no mistake, you are entering into mission territory in a post-God world, but you are made for this and with God by your side and a constant striving for virtue within your vocation, you too can be a saint. Christ is king to the heights.”
After the confetti was cleared from both events, the reactions began to surpass the immediate recognitions. Kelce – famous for catching passes on-season and for being arm candy for Taylor Swift off-season – has been lauded for his performance in Ohio, while Butker has had his butt kicked for his advocacy for embracing the traditional values that flow out of God’s guidebook for life.
In our 2024 world, Butker has been reviled; Kelce is respected; Jesus is rejected. What gives?
Ask Jesus for his opinion; He was clear:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:10-12).
If I was to buy a Chiefs jersey, it would be number 7.
Bob Shank
Butker’s jersey now is top seller.
Dr. Burk Parsons, editor of Table talk in the June edition has a good summary of the world today, “…In generations past, we were told. ” Do what you know is right.” But for decades now, most people have been taught that doing whatever feels right is the definition of freedom rather than being taught that true freedom is the ability to do what we know is right. Not surprising many in our day are questioning their identity, sexuality, and gender based on mere feelings. This should deeply sadden us and prompt us to proclaim the gospel to all with compassion and care. People who are confused in this way need to know the grace of God in the good news of Jesus Christ. When unbelievers exchange the truth about God for a lie, they will naturally exchange what they know for what they feel……. In this, they receive encouragement from the culture, which tells them not to bring their feelings in line with reality but to bring reality in line with their feelings.”
Good example Butker and Kelce!
Such a powerful distinction! Thanks Bob
Bob,
What a stark reminder of the state of the USA we currently live in. Whose recognition and approval do we seek? Butker’s response reminds us of the One who is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Signs of the times! Expect more oppression against those who are “foolish enough to believe the preached message” and stand for truth against the “darkness of this age and the spiritual forces in heavenly places.”