State Rep. Mike Moffett (R-Loudoun), chairman of the House Committee on State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs, has been a Celtics fan since 1968.
Boston’s Logan Airport is home to a popular travel terminal that displays numerous championship flags honoring Boston’s professional teams: the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots and Red Sox. Will a ceremony be held here when the Celtics’ 18th flag joins the others?
The afterglow of the Celtics’ recent NBA championship still lights up the sports world, and will continue to do so for some time to come. It’s amazing to see how a winning team unites a community, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or political beliefs.
So what can we add to all that has been written about Celtic’s record 18th win on June 17?
What about a sporting reflection on the extraordinary spiritual/religious reflections expressed by many of the Cs after their great victories?
Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla said his family plans to go to the Holy Land, rather than Disney World, for their post-championship getaway. Mazzulla is a devout Catholic who claims his identity comes from his “purpose” and “faith.” He has a green-and-gold wooden rosary made from the original parquet flooring at the Boston Garden.
Other Celtics players, like Jayson Tatum, also offered prayers after the win. “First of all, God is great,” Tatum told NBC Sports. “Not because we won, but because I played to the best of my ability that God has given me to put me in a position to be surrounded by these guys, surrounded by my family. It’s an incredible feeling.”
Celtics forward Al Horford, 38, is a member of the Church of God Jesus Christ International. Minutes after the Celtics’ 106-88 win over the Mavericks, he lavished gratitude on national television, declaring “La Gloria a Dios” (The Glory of God) to countless viewers. Faith and perseverance ultimately earned the Dominican star the title, ending the league’s longest playoff winless streak at 186 games. Horford has certainly been blessed in many other ways (his wife, Amelia Vega, was Miss Universe in 2003).
Celtic star Jrue Holiday has a Bible verse from Philippians 4:6-7, about finding peace through faith in God, tattooed on his left forearm.
Other Celtics players, like backup center Luke Kornet, also draw strength, hope and inspiration from their faith. A devout Catholic, Kornet is a Knight of Columbus and attends Mass whenever he can. He’s proud of the perspective and balance his faith has given him on his journey.
And that goes for all of the above, as well as playoff MVP Jaylen Brown, other Celtics players and many fans.
There are many unfortunate people who criticize and insult religious people. Our world is a cruder place than it was when I was a kid, when most people went to church and actually prayed in public school. And yes, there are hypocrites and charlatans in religious communities that angry progressives love to point out. And last year, the Celts’ spiritual energy couldn’t keep them from losing Game 7 at home to Miami.
Still, Celtic’s post-match religious “afterglow” was compelling and inspiring, at least to those willing to enjoy it, if not buy it all in. Will this new “Celtic way” have a positive influence on others in the future?
Some suggested the Detroit Pistons, fresh off a 50-game defeat by the Celtics, hire a pastor as an assistant coach.
Maybe Al Horford?
“The Glory of God”
