The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the foremost.
(1 Timothy 1.15
NRSV)
It is the dream of most every Dominican boy to play ball in the United States. Throughout the Dominican Republic young boys swing old rake handles or "anything else they can get for a bat, trying to hit a ball a little quicker, a little farther than anyone else" -- hoping to one day to play in our major leagues.
Tony credits his mother not only for teaching him and his brothers how to play baseball but also for giving him a love for the game. His mother had been a pretty good softball player herself when she was young. When school was out and their chores were done, she'd walk her boys to a nearby pasture. She would stand on a rough dirt patch that served as the pitcher's mound and pitch to her sons. "All right, little Luis," she'd call in, "this pitch will be right down the middle." When it was Tony's turn she would say, "Okay, Tony look for this one in on the fists. You must learn to hit the inside pitch."
Tony Pena is thankful for the influence of his mother. Before he left for the United States, he prayed, "God, all I want from life is to be able to help my family. Please help me do that." Tony has helped his family. "Not long after I made the majors," he recalls. "I drove with Mama through the streets of Santiago." As they were driving Tony asked his mother, "what do you think of that house over there? Take a good look, Mama." They stopped in front of the house. "It's a wonderful house," his mother replied, "why do you ask? Are you thinking of buying it?" He paused--hardly able to contain himself. He handed her a set of keys, "I already have, Mama. For you." "Oh Tony," she said as tears began to stream down her face. At that special moment, Tony writes, "I thanked God for giving me such a mother."
We have a lot to be thankful for, especially the gift of Jesus Christ.
Dear God, thank you for sending me a savior. Amen.