by Bro. Wade Paris
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Several years ago, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Conception, Missouri, was remodeled; and the monks began to use it again. “It is beautiful,” one monk exclaimed. Another said, “It is awesome.” The restoration took more than three years to complete. I hope to be able to see it someday soon.
Brother Blaise Bonderer, who sometimes donned overalls to help, reportedly was awestruck by the respect and reverence the “rugged macho” workers showed for the monks’ prayer space.
Those words reminded me of a wedding I performed years ago. Nearly all the participants were motorcyclists. The wedding party rode to the rehearsal on their Harleys dressed in leather with shaggy beards and long ponytails.
Since I was a motorcyclist myself, I welcomed the experience. I was hoping someone would invite me to ride their Harley. No one did; and unwritten motorcycle etiquette asserts you don’t ask. The wedding coordinator and church custodian were overwhelmed and more than a little nervous.
As pastor, I began the rehearsal with my usual speech. “We assume you have chosen to be married in our church because you want a Christian wedding. This means the wedding is, in fact, a worship service honoring God’s involvement in our lives. That being true, everything we do will be done with the greatest reverence for God and God’s house.”
I don’t know if my speech had anything to do with it or not, but they were magnificent. They showed up on time for the wedding in tuxedos and motorcycle boots with trimmed beards and neat clean ponytails. Everything was, “Yes, sir,” and “No, sir”. The bride wore a knee length white dress with a motorcycle pin that she requested and received my permission to wear. Her long red hair hung almost to her waist. She was lovely. One of our deacons commented, “She is a looker.”
Well, it turned out this group showed more respect for God’s house than some of our own church members. Like Brother Bonderer at the Basilica, I was awed by the respect this group showed for the entire experience. It’s just one of many experiences that have shown me how even the slightest touch of God can shape our lives.
Let Him touch you, please.