In 1995 I went to the first Collingwood vs. Essendon ANZAC day game. Like myself thousands of people, sensing something special, flocked to the MCG. I was one of the 94,825 successful attendants.
I sat on the stairs in the old Ponsford stand right up at the top. Outside the ground Police had to use horses to turn away some 20,000 fans after the gates were shut.
The game ending in a draw made it an even more auspicious occasion. It was the beginning of a partnership that has blossomed. Football and ANZAC day are now forever entwined as other clubs and codes have joined the ANZAC day bandwagon. This partnership is a symbiotic relationship that both institutions benefit from.
If you watch the broadcast you will be presented with the symbolic metaphors between Sport and War. The similarities obvious between those playing and those sent to fight so far from their own shores.
Once again they will be struck into gold in front of your eyes. “Those who shall not grow old, as we grow old” will come to life on the field of play. Old hearts lifted, old eyes seeing a past long ago. Memories of comrades, friends and loved ones. A golden moment where Australian culture hits its highest form of public celebration and remembrance.
This ANZAC day game is a religious ceremony with the celebrants the players and officials. And this is why the symbiotic relationship works. The power of the event and the strength of the national symbols acted out in front of us, replayed if you like.
A game filled with ritual and symbolism. As rich as the cup and the bread. As rich as the stigmata, the wounds of Christ's death on the cross. Sacrifice, lives given for others. Blood poured out on the fields of France, the skies of England, in North Africa, Turkey, and the Pacific.
Sporting analogies
This is why Paul uses sporting analogies to the Greeks. They, like us treasured their sporting culture. Like the ANZAC day event their sport was linked to a religious moment of celebration and worship. But Paul took a very different line.
Like all good preachers Paul subverted the symbols of Greek culture to work for the Gospel of Jesus. The preparation of the athlete, their dedication to constant training and self discipline. This is Paul's focus for us the followers of Jesus.
ANZAC day's main words are 'Lest we forget'. Paul's message of running the race and receiving the garland at the finish is not a clarion call to victory. We are not crusaders battling for the Holy Grail. Even if we are, the grail is not a bejewelled chalice. It is the cup of a carpenter.
Paul's boasting was never in his strength but in his weakness. Even in sport a personal weakness is more than able to bring anyone down. Not just on field failings need to be worked on, but the development of the players themselves. We, like them, must work on these things that we do but do not want to do. And where does that leave us with ANZAC day?
Specific word
'Lest we forget' speaks of a violent and bloody time. Where men and woman were struck down in their prime on those far flung theatres of conflict. We should not forget this fact as it is a defence against the passions of nationalism. Paul's use of the Greek word Agape speaks of the love of Christ's sacrifice one that ANZAC echoes. The same Christ who taught us to love our neighbour as we love ourselves.
'They shall not grow old, as we grow old.” We know that time continues to roll on. The race is run by all who walk the road of Jesus 'the man of sorrows'. As we mourn those who leave this race, we are left to continue running. So far it has been a two thousand year race for the followers of Christ on earth. Victory it seems is far from grasp.
Victory in sport is at the end of the game, ultimate victory at the end of the season. But it is merely for now, for that year. A new premier will be crowned next year. Ours is the long way round that we all share in life. Though let us not forget that Jesus' own people have now been waiting for 5778 years. Now that, is a marathon.
May this bring perspective and temper the mixing passions of sport and nation with religious power. Our symbols are similar, but, they are not as easy as a game. They are not over and done. Though they will be one day. One day, there will be a moment that eclipses the power, celebration and remembrance of ANZAC day.
On that day there will be those outside and those inside. Those who worked in weakness and those in who worked strength will be measured by He who died and rose again.
Therefore let us run, the race in the steps of Christ Jesus. He, who we should also remember when we utter “Lest we forget”.
Phillip Hall was born in the previous century and has been amazed to see the growth of ANZAC day. While he will not make the dawn service, he will be watching the game. Delivering Pizza till late the night before does not help waking up before dawn.
Phillip Hall has been too long in Melbourne to see AFL in the same light as those back in Fremantle. East Fremantle born and bred, he would love to see the Dockers back in the eight. But would settle for just beating West Coast twice a year.
