As we prepare for battle, today's first reading provides our rallying cry:

Jeremiah 1: 17 - 19

17 But you, gird up your loins; arise, and say to them everything that I command you. Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them. 18 And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its princes, its priests, and the people of the land. 19 They will fight against you; but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, says the LORD, to deliver you.'

And the responsorial Psalm reinforces our resolve:

Psalms 71: 1 - 6

1 In thee, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame! 2 In thy righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline thy ear to me, and save me! 3 Be thou to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for thou art my rock and my fortress. 4 Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man.

***Note--these are simply words of wisdom to give us all--Irish and Midshipman, Wolverine and Spartan, Trojan and Duck, even Tiger and Tide--serenity, courage, and wisdom for the coming season. This is not meant to suggest that God wants the Irish to win football games, even though us Irish fans know he does. Go Irish.