These last few weeks millions of people across the continent were glued to their television screens to watch the Euro football championship games.

Indeed, as the time drew near to Sunday's final nothing short of an euphoric frenzy gripped the inhabitants of our neighbouring nation. The event dominated the news headlines and even the queen was inspired to send a message of support to the English team.

I can fully understand that the games brought much needed light relief to a continent dominated by the doom and gloom of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, I find it deeply disturbing that so many people have focussed so much of their attention on what is, at the end of the day, simply a sport.

It seems to me that to place so much passionate emphasis on a mere leisure pursuit reflects a deep vacuum in so many peoples' shallow lives.

Sunday's triumph may well have given a temporary boost to the morale of the victorious nation, Italy, but in the long term it changes absolutely nothing as far as the harsh realities of life are concerned. Workers everywhere still have to struggle to earn a living, the unemployed still have to make do on benefits; whilst thousands still have to contend with hardship and sorrow.

Surely, in the face of life's changes and chances everyone needs something more solid and permanent than the spectacle of men kicking a ball to help us get through!

This week’s thought: Lean on God: he is strong enough to take your weight.