Catholic Dads

Lessons from Rocky Balboa

April 7th, 2009

Last Saturday night, my wife and daughter were out so the dogs and I watched the original Rocky movie from 1976. Something three guys (albeit two canines) could enjoy.

Although I’ve seen it before, one scene in particular struck me. It was the night before the big fight with Apollo Creed and Rocky was doubting his ability to compete, much less beat the champ. His comments that night were telling. He said, “I just want to go the distance with him. No one ever has. If I could just hear that final bell, then I know I’ve done something…”

As the fight wages on, Rocky is knocked down several times. In the second to last round, he goes down for the count only to rise at with one count to go before losing. He makes it to the final bell and although he lost the fight, he won his battle.

It amazes me how many times I get knocked down during life. No, they aren’t always big blows, but if you live long enough you will have your shares of shots to the body and staggering right hooks. Do I always have the resiliency to stand up and take more?

As Rocky got up the final time, I thought of Jesus getting up after the third fall on the road to Calvary. We have a cross to bear during our journey of life. I can envision Jesus in our corner saying “Get up! Get up! I’m here with you.”

My lesson learned from this 33-year old movie is that we need to fight until the final bell. Our nemesis may not be Apollo Creed. It may be the devil and all the doubts, hurdles, and temptations he throws in our paths. Like Job, we too will overcome as long as we have Jesus in our corner.

Vivat Jesus,

Dan

Close Bookmark and Share This Page

Save to Browser Favorites / Bookmarks