The St. Francis of Assisi Church on 31 St has always held a special place in my heart. I guess it started when choosing a confirmation name I chose Francis in honor of my paternal grandfather. After doing some (required) research on the saint of my choosing I was blown away by the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Years later I would make the first of several annual trips to the steps of this church with the Holy Cross Youth Group to drop off food at the homeless shelter there. Over the last six years I’ve walked past the church countless times coming and going from work at all hours of the day and night. I’ve seen and spoken with homeless people sleeping outside the building when the shelters full, I’ve stopped to pray, and left food at the foot of the statue of Jesus as a homeless beggar, but I’ve never gone inside…until today. Like I had said the other day, just being in a church gives me a sense of peace and comfort, but this was different…better. As I stepped through the door into the nave I was overcome with a feeling of tranquility from the smell of wood and blast of warm air from oversized steam radiators that instantly made me think of my grandfather (mom’s side). After praying for a bit, I just sat back and took in the beauty of this place that I had been to so many times but had never seen. Realizing that I had to get to Penn, I said a final prayer headed back out into the chaos that is New York. Here’s where it gets pretty cool. As I was crossing over 7th Ave I hear “Hey leatherneck!” Turning to look it was the homeless marine I had spoken with last week. As I got closer by the look on his face he was genuinely happy to see me. I squatted down next to him and had a conversation like we were two old friends, as I heads out I said “I’ll see you next week” and down into Penn I went. Working my through the main concourse towards where I needed to be for my train I finally came to a stop by one of the message boards to wait for my track number to be announced. As I’m standing there in half awake state (thanks daylight savings time) looking at the sign I started to get a feeling like someone was staring at me. Not sure exactly how long I was standing there but as my track number came up I turned and saw one of the homeless guys I had met awhile back. With a smile and “fist bump” he says “Hey you remember me?” “Absolutely buddy, what’s going on?” I said back reciprocating the fist bump. For the second time in a matter of minutes, I was talking with someone who was just happy to talk to someone like old friends. After a little bit I shook his hand and told him I’d talk to him soon and literally had to run down the stairs to make my train. As I am sitting on the train I can’t help but feel like in some way I got to “see” Jesus, St. Francis and both my grandfather’s today. Pretty great Sunday afternoon. As always I’ll be praying for you all.
Remember to live the Faith.
God bless.
Faith like Water 