Today was a gorgeous day--the whole ride was really pretty, especially after the brutal storms last night. I woke up at 8am, and got myself together. I used the iPhone APP, "around me," to find St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church which was only about 2 miles from my motel. I rode up to the church and into the parking lot and the priest was out there greeting people with his huge dog, "Buddy." When I say huge, I'm talking close to 200 lbs... Anyway, he came up to me and asked me if I was riding a "GS." Now this is sort of a loaded question. If you know enough to ask it, then you already know what the bike is because they are so weird looking and kind of rare. It turns out that he rides an "LT," which is BMW's version of a Goldwing. It's a really nice fancy machine. I've never met a priest before that rides a Bm'er so this was a new experience for me. He was a very talented guy and it turned out that it was his last Sunday Mass in the parish after a two-year assignment there. He gave a good homily which I will steal and use the first chance I get. Then he illustrated his main point by performing two magic tricks in front of the congregation. It went over well and he was obviously much revered by the people as he received a standing ovation. Once Mass was over, I jetted looking for breakfast which I found at a chain called Friendly's. Then I hit the road. There was a ton of vacationer type traffic to remind me that I was heading back to reality. People love to ride that left lane so I did a fair amount of right hand passing, trying to make my way south on I-81. So I prayed some for patience during most of the day.
I should talk about the saints as I ride as I guess I haven't so far. I ask St. Michael the Archangel to watch the road in front of me and any hazards that might lay in that direction. I ask for St. Francis' prayers to keep the deer, dogs, & moose out of my way. And I ask Matt talbot to help me keep a reasonable speed throughout each day. My bet is that most of you have heard of the first two but not maybe Matt. He is not been beatified as of yet by the Church, but he is the patron saint of alcholics and addicts. Matt was from Ireland and suffered terribly from the "drink." Matt gave up drinking through the help of God as he could never accomplish this on his own. On a family vacation in Ireland when I was a wee boy, we visited his tomb. I picked up a small flyer about his life and read it. I then asked my parents if I could take "the pledge." They both drank at the time and were not very happy about my interest, but I persisted. They sought the advice of a trusted family friend and priest and he told them to let me do it. So, at the age of 13, I became what is known in Ireland as a "Pioneer." My vow as a boy lasted until I was 21. When I traveled back to Ireland to study in Galway during my time at Marquette, I was hitch-hiking around and arrived too late one night to get into a youth hostel. I had no where to go and all the hotels were booked so I went to the nearest Catholic Church. A very old Jesuit let me in, fed me tea and cakes, and we talked into the night. He asked me if I drank and I told him that I was a Pioneer. He about fell out of his chair as they are rare indeed in the U.S. It turned out that he was in charge of the Pioneers organization at the time. He got his book out and entered all of my information into it and then gave me the pledge, which I have kept all my life. You never know what dragging a bored kid into a European church will do over the long run. My parents are now also Pioneers but it took them a few years to see my way of thinking, but I know Matt Talbot was always there praying and asking God to help them. Sorry for the long post, but you might better understand why Matt Talbot is a good one to ask to pray for me not to go too fast.
So, my thanks to St. Michael, St. Francis (Deacon), and Matt Talbot for their assistance and intercession with dangers, animals, and the demon that lives in each of us.
My thanks to the Holy Trinity that I called out to throughout each day. I also want to thank Mary for her patience with me as I prayed many rosaries on the ride. My mind would wander and so there were a lot of "do-overs" from this A.D.D. deacon-rider. Thanks also to my Pastor, Fr. Chris. I know he scratches is head on a regular basis when I'm around and when I'm not. And to my brother Deacons, Mike, and Chris who have been pulling my weight for the last two weeks in my absence.
My heartfelt thanks for the understanding of my wife Ellie for telling me going was OK. She puts up with a lot, especially during the school year with me gone a lot for football games with UT, quarterly deacon formation weekends,homily preparations, tons of time at the high school, etc...
Last, I want to thank Jesus, my brother and Savior who was my constant companion throughout each day. That I might keep You in front of my face more and more throughout my life. Help me to use these rides to delve deeper into your love, hope, mercy, and forgiveness (which I'm counting on). Please keep me close and help me not to forget You so often. Thank You for the gift of the Eucharist, which is my constant reminder of your fidelity, presence, and intimacy that we share with you. "I do believe Lord, help me in my unbelief." your servant, patrick
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