Another game-day Sunday is upon us, and,once again, no Packer Green and Gold was seen in church this morning. Although Fr. Kevin was wearing green, since we are in that cycle of Sundays this time of the year.

When I went for a clean pair of socks to wear to church this morning. I almost took the Packer socks that were a Christmas present. I didn't; I stuck with the basic black.

I remain at a loss as I try to determine what happened to the Packer backers or why they are, at a minimum, incognito. I could make the rounds of the local bars later today. If I recognize any fellow church-goers, I could inquire as to the reasons behind their change in game-day behavior. If I go too early, they may not be adequately loosened to speak freely; if I go too late, they may be somewhat impaired so that I will not be able to understand their responses. The longer that I would stick to this project, the more unintelligible my notes would become. If I bump into Fr. Kevin, all bets will be off.

We will know in the next several hours, but I am thinking the Green Bay Packers will have a difficult time winning today's game in the first round of the play-offs. How did I arrive at that conclusion?

Here goes!

During the regular season on any Sunday game day, there would be considerable Packer Green and Gold present during our local church service. There would be general team wear--shirts, hoodies, winter jackets, pajama pants--along with individual jerseys with the numbers 12, 87, and 52 dominating. I suspect the belief is quite widespread that praying in costume enhances the prospects of a favorable response to one's prayer. This is a variation of the rule applicable to any number of situations: "One needs to look the part to play the part." Yet, today not a swatch of the familiar Green and Gold. Folks might have made the judgment call that the team can make it through these first rounds on their own so they are saving their petitions for divine intervention for the Big Game. Fans like players need to pace themselves. It can be a long four quarters; it can be a long play-off post-season. Hold something in reserve. And hope that one does not live to regret it.

What might I be in for some Sunday not so distant--February 5, 2017 to be exact? Our congregation--small in numbers and big in enthusiasm--will look like a fan-cam shot of the stands at Lambeau Field on game day. Green and Gold in such numbers and with such flare that Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras will stand up and take notice. There may even be a tailgate breakfast crowd in the church parking lot. The pastor could move through the parking lot warming up the crowd. Folks could be so keyed up for the opening number (aka, entrance hymn), that Father might ask folks to tone it down. Prayer done that way all but guarantees a favorable response.

If the team doesn't make it through these early rounds of the play-off, my questions will go unanswered--not unlike my prayers.

Take a knee! Take two knees!