Brotherhood at the Soccer Field

Many people in Kenya - and in many other countries as well - love soccer. We enjoy watching our favourite teams play with the hope that they win. However, we often forget to look at the spiritual aspect of this game, through the lens of the charism of mercy and brotherhood.

Whenever brotherhood is mentioned, mercy is never absent. The two are compatible and inseparable. Brother Wim Verschuren states that: ‘Working towards a more merciful and just world is done in many ways’. This sounds quite interesting and is at the same time encouraging.

Teamwork

I remember that in the year 2017, our fellow brothers from the Western part of Kenya (Mosocho, Oyugis and Sikri) formed a soccer team to play against the pupils of St. Vincent de Paul Boys’ Primary School in Mosocho. The tournament was named after the Venerable Servant of God, Brother Andreas van den Boer. Its objectives were to create awareness to the learners about the life of Brother Andreas, and also to teach them the importance of teamwork. The friendliness of this tournament clearly portrayed the spirit of mercy in action.

Everyone is a winner

At the end of the tournament both teams emerged winners, even though the young boys defeated our brothers’ team with 3 goals against 0. Nevertheless, our objectives were achieved. The winners were awarded a trophy known as the Brother Andreas Trophy. The boys were amazed by the fact that the brothers were so delighted at the victory of their opponents; little did they understand the lesson behind it; sometimes in life you have to accept a loss. Also, that is mercy.

One pupil asked me why we are called the Brothers of Mercy. I referred him back to the match which had just ended, and asked him some of the observations he made during the game. He mentioned the friendliness of the opponents; seeing brothers praying before and after the match; joyfully hugging each other, despite the defeat; and finally congratulating the boys’ team for their victory. Now I had something to tell him about his question, why were are called brothers of Mercy.

Play and be merciful

We are all invited to make use of every opportunity we get to exercise mercy. It is quite a noble spirituality even though not always easy to put into practice. That is why our founder Bishop Zwijsen was right to implore the Spirit of the Lord to animate his Congregation thoroughly. As Brothers of Mercy we can exercise mercy among the poor, but also among teachers, in our communities, as well as at the soccer field. This happens to be one of the more joyful exercises. After all, it does not always have to be difficult.