DEAL, OR NO DEAL

   Most of you probably have seen the television program, "Deal, or No Deal." If you’ve never seen it, it’s really quite exciting – from the point of view of the contestant being lucky enough to make the right choice at the right time. As a viewer, it’s easy to get involved with the choice – because we can relate with the contestant by vicariously putting ourselves in the position of making a lot of money.

   Here’s how the game works. The contestant is presented with the option of choosing one silver briefcase from among approximately 30. Each of the briefcases contains a written dollar sum – ranging from one dollar to one million dollars. The contestant then chooses one of the cases – hoping that it is the one containing the million, or even the $500,000, or $200,000. As the game proceeds, the contestant is asked to choose several cases – revealing the amounts hidden within. The idea is to be lucky enough to reveal small amounts, leaving the larger amounts to the end. With each successive briefcase opening, the anonymous “banker” upstairs offers to buy back the chosen briefcase. Obviously, the more large amounts that remain unopened, the “banker” offers a larger and larger amount to buy back the chosen case. Then the host looks with seriousness, and says, “Deal, or No Deal.” With each offer, if the contestant feels lucky – if he or she feels that they have a large amount – they will ponder all the mathematical possibilities, consider all the odds of success or failure, consult with their family and friends, and then choose either DEAL, or NO DEAL! Some choose fortunately. Some go all the way, and lose most of what the “banker” had offered. Sometimes over- caution gets in the way; sometimes greed does. It’s what some people say: “A crap-shoot.”

   Well, today I want to play DEAL, or NO DEAL with you. This time, it’s not money amounts in the briefcases. They are things that are offered to you because of your choice of being a Catholic Christian. Let’s start.

(Host – H) Which briefcase would you like? Number 3, you say? Why did you choose 3?

(Contestant – C) “Well, I know that God is a Trinity – so that should be lucky for me.”

(H) OK, good luck. Now choose one case at a time.

(C) “Number 1 – because there is One God.”

(H) Well! Here’s what’s in it: A GOOD NAME, A GOOD REPUTATION. Not a bad choice. However, Jesus did say that, because of Him, some may hate you, or make fun of you, or even persecute you because you’re doing the right thing. How about it? DEAL, or NO DEAL.

(C) “NO DEAL! I think I can do better than that!” Next case?

(C) “Number 7 – because of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.”

(H) Look what’s in this one! SUCCESS – MORE THAN ENOUGH MONEY. Now that’s neat. But Jesus did warn those who have a lot and don’t use it in a helpful way – that it would be almost impossible to get to heaven. He reminds us that our ability to earn and prosper comes from Him; and that we ought to show our gratitude by sharing with the less fortunate. He also said, when you pray, say “give us this day our daily bread.” Sometimes we ask for our monthly, or semi-annual bread, and we say, “Lord, if you give me enough for a half-year, then I won’t have to bother you for another six months.” But Jesus wants us to ask every day. Otherwise, if we don’t, it’s easy to forget where our good things come from. So, what about it – DEAL, or NO DEAL.

(C) “Hmmm. NO DEAL. That sounds like a bit too much pressure put upon me. I can do better.” Choose another case.

(C) Number 10 – That’s how many Commandments there are. Could be luckier than the last.

(H) OK – here it is! A NARROW PATH!

(C) “Geez! Things seem to be getting worse! Maybe I should have taken the last one!”

(H) Well, you remember that Jesus did say that the way to heaven is through Him - on a narrow road. That means following the commandments, worshipping him weekly at Mass, and coming to confession. If you make your road too wide, going from side to side, from whim to whim, you just may forget where you were heading in the first place. So, what do you think – DEAL, or NO DEAL?

(C) “Ohmigoodness! That really puts restrictions on me! I like to be free and easy! NO DEAL!” That leaves one more case. How about it?

(C) “Well – I might as well take a chance. There has to be something better. OK – Number 12 – that’s how many Apostles there were – right?”

(H) Right. Let’s see what’s in it. A CROSS – Suffering.

(C) “A Cross – Suffering? What is this? Two bad choices in a row! I should have stopped when I was ahead! I don’t need a cross and suffering! All I want is to be happy, to take it easy, don’t bother anybody, nobody bothers me, live and let live, no pressure, no obligations, no demands. You know. That’s not too much to ask for, is it?

(H) Well, remember reading in the Bible? Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to follow Me, let him take up his cross and follow in my footsteps.” And, He said if you take His yoke upon your shoulders, walking step by step with Him and joined to His heart, your burden will be light – because He is doing more than His share of the work. You know – a yoke is what joins two oxen together. To train the younger one, it is yoked to an older, wiser one. Sometimes the younger one wants to go fast, get the job done quickly. But the older one is a veteran. It knows that by plodding along, the task goes more smoothly and peacefully. Sometimes the younger says, “Forget this.” And it lags back. But it’s not strong enough to stop the older; and it quickly learns there’s no stress in walking step by step with the older. We can be yoked with our wise and loving Jesus, if we want to be. So, what will it be? DEAL, or NO DEAL

(C) “Wow! There must be something better in my case! NO DEAL! I want the case I chose.”

(H) Now, let’s open the case you chose – Number 3. I hope it’s lucky for you! Congratulations! You chose JESUS – REAL Happiness – Life Forever! How about that?

(C) “That’s better! That’s what I wanted all along! Life! Glory! Happiness and Peace! All those marvelous benefits of being a believer! There’s nothing better!

(H) You’re right – there’s nothing better! And you know what? This contest is very much like your life. The “banker” upstairs is our God in heaven. He gives us all the options, and keeps offering us more and more. You ponder all the mathematical possibilities of success or failure. How much energy and time should I spend? How much should I give out? Is it worth the cost? You consult with your family and your friends who walk the journey of life with you. And you are asked at each turn of your life: DEAL? or NO DEAL?

Today, you’ve chosen wisely. You chose JESUS, REAL Happiness and Life FOREVER. Oh, but did I mention one last thing? There’s one little hitch. I think I forgot to tell you that when you chose Jesus and all the glory, you’re going to have to accept everything that goes along with Him. And that means: the possibility of people mocking you; it means selfless sharing; it means walking the narrow road of holiness; It means accepting the joy of the cross – which leads to the Victory of REAL LIFE!

So, now – What do YOU say? DEAL? Or NO DEAL?