# Miracles in Miami and the hope of Advent
*2020-12-06*

> Bill Young reflects on a series of 'miracles'—from a thrilling Miami Dolphins victory and a life-changing lottery win to a medical recovery through the Rosary—all while meditating on the second Sunday of Advent.

## The Miracle in Miami

I'm wearing my Dolphins gear today in honor of a recent miracle. One of my part-time jobs is working for the Miami Dolphins Foundation, where we raise funds during every home game through a 50/50 raffle. This year, we've been breaking records. In our last game, the pot reached $92,000, meaning the winner took home $46,000.

A woman came up to me before the game ended, believing her husband had the winning ticket. She is a teacher from Homestead, Florida, who was still dealing with damages to her home from the last hurricane. She was overjoyed because she wanted to use the money to buy Christmas presents for her students. I call this a miracle. 

On the field, we saw another miracle. The Dolphins were losing by six points against their rivals, the New England Patriots, but they won the game by one point on a trick play with seconds left. It was a great story for the team and the community.

## The Immaculate Conception and the Hail Mary

As we move through the second Sunday of Advent, we also reflect on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I've been reading a booklet that quotes St. Louis, who reminds us of the advantage Mary had: she never harbored tendencies that could push her toward sin. Her soul was filled with peace, gentleness, charity, and humility.

In football terms, when we need a miracle, we call it a 'Hail Mary' pass. I believe Mary has a role in the miracles of our lives. St. Louis notes that Mary's mind never indulged in useless thoughts or sin, and she never denied anything God asked of her. This leads us to ask ourselves: what tendencies are pushing me toward sin that I most need to fight against? For Catholics, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is the great tactic God gave us to clear ourselves of sin during Advent.

## The Power of the Rosary

I want to share a story about my co-worker, Johnny. He told me about his brother who was diagnosed with stage four liver cancer eight years ago. The doctors told the family he only had a few months to live. However, he began praying the Rosary earnestly every day, and a miracle occurred—he recovered. 

Doctors and the medical field cannot always explain these things. While not every miracle is sports-related or televised, they do happen. We must proclaim these wonders and thank our Lord and the Blessed Mother. I hope to have Johnny on the podcast soon to share his brother's firsthand experience.

## Preparing the Way of the Lord

The Gospel for the second Sunday of Advent from Luke speaks about preparing the way of the Lord. We are called to make the paths of our hearts straight and smooth so that God's word can enter without stumbling. I often ask: what am I doing to open a way for God to come into my heart?

Faith and hope are essential. Without belief in God, there is no hope. Many of us face struggles, such as illness. I have a former co-worker with stage four cancer, and we are praying the Rosary for her, trusting in God's will. Repentance means turning from sin back to God, seeking forgiveness and acquittal rather than mere commendation.

## Waiting in Joyful Hope

As we wait in joyful hope, I am reminded of a scripture I saw on a doctor's wall: 'Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak.' Many of us suffer, but God knows our needs and promises to restore our vigor. 

I also want to mention my involvement with a cancer foundation that helps children and their families with basic needs like rent and gas while they seek healthcare. Let us pray for all those suffering from cancer, from the early stages to stage four. May they be cured and their families supported.

*If you are facing a difficult situation at home, stop and pray the Rosary as a family every day and open your heart to the possibility of a miracle.*