Play, Pray, Fight: “Now I Begin”
For years Philip Rivers of the San Diego Chargers has picked apart opposing defenses. This year has been no different. More than halfway through the 2014 NFL season Rivers was in the top ten in completion percentage, passing yards, and passing touchdowns in the league. Many sports fans might have already known how great a quarterback Philip Rivers on Sundays. However, what some may not know is how inspiring a person he is away from the playing field. His character and work ethic off the field demonstrate not only what kind of player he desires to become, but also what kind of man he desires to become.
Philip Rivers is a faithful father of seven children and a devout Catholic. He also consistently works in assisting underprivileged children in the San Diego area. Even in the face of the bright NFL spotlight where so many other players stumble, Rivers continues to be a fantastic example of what it means to be a man of virtue. A daily motivation for Rivers is a certain Latin phrase, “Nunc Coepi.” It translates, “Now I begin.” During Catholic University’s commencement speech in 2013, Rivers shared,
Nunc Coepi. Now I begin. In our prayer, in our habits, in our relationships, in our profession. It is applicable to everything. Nunc Coepi. Whether you made a bad grade or didn’t do so well on a project. You must begin again. When I have a bad play or a good play, whether I throw a touchdown or an interception, I must begin again. Nunc Coepi…But this is ongoing. You begin again, and again and again. You never give up. Nunc Coepi.
Philip Rivers’ model of fatherhood and perseverance inspires me to never give up myself. One of the ways I’ve found Nunc Coepi in my own life is through the sacrament of reconciliation. Unfortunately, I didn’t know how fulfilling this sacrament was until my college years. In high school, I had the misconception that it was the kind of thing that I needed to just “get by” with so I would merely through the motions. What I didn’t realize at the time was that my “get by” mentality was holding me back. I was content with where I was in life, and instead of looking to improve myself, I was just looking to go along with the crowd. Through the example of my college friends however, the fallacy I previously held was exposed. I started to realize the great peace this sacrament offered. I started to truly recognize that reconciliation offered me a unique opportunity to go to God Himself through the person of the priest where I could progress in my life instead of staying content. Reconciliation gave me an opportunity to begin again. Nunc Coepi.
Little by little I started to appreciate the strength that came through this sacrament. Reconciliation became a way I could continue the journey of becoming an authentic man of virtue. As Rivers mentioned, Nunc Coepi applies to both our strengths and our weaknesses. So what are my strengths? How could I advance in them? What are my weaknesses? How could I battle against them? As a man, I know I will have my downfalls. Every man does. But now I know that this won’t stop me from confronting them head on and fighting against them because I know I am called to begin again. I have the chance to begin again today. Nunc Coepi.
I now see reconciliation not as something to just “get by” with but as a chance to reflect on my strengths, confront my weaknesses and resolve to begin again. When we are willing to admit our downfalls to God and resolve to fight, He will be there to guide us. Through his grace and forgiveness He will give us the strength to battle our fallen tendencies with a new dedication to live a life of virtue. I recognize that dedication in Philip Rivers. He continuously seeks improvement in all aspects of life. Despite his struggles, despite even his successes, Rivers makes the decision to begin again. With a Nunc Coepi mentality and through reconciliation we can become fully alive, we can become the men of virtue we are called to be.
As men we are called to play, pray, and fight. Now I begin. Nunc Coepi. It applies to everything. It includes our work, our relationships, and our spiritual life. Whether we fail or whether we succeed. Whether we are satisfied to just “get by” or whether we are just getting things turned around. Nunc Coepi motivates Philip Rivers to greatness. It inspires him to be exceptional not only on the field but off the field as well. Will we adopt Nunc Coepi for our own lives? Will we stand up and fight our downfalls? Will we make the decision to begin again? If we desire to become fully alive, then together let’s say, “Nunc Coepi, now I begin.”
Tom Costello grew up New Jersey and graduated from Franciscan University in May 2013 with a degree in Mathematics Education. During his time at Franciscan, he was active with baseball, mission work and nursing-home ministry. After a year of teaching and coaching, he joined The Culture Project to help witness to the joy of authentic life and love. Inspired by his own educators to embrace his specific skills and attributes, he has a passion for encouraging other young people to strive for greatness using their unique gifts and talents. This year, he is excited to participate in The Culture Project’s vision of restoring a society that respects the dignity of each human person throughout all stages of life.
