June 10, 2026 If it’s a bit scary or I’m a bit unsure, I don’t always like to fully commit. While there are eleventy billion examples of that from my life, I’m living one right now. I have a long-term goal I’m not sure it’s a goal I can reach, and I talked someone else into joining in. My aunt and I are hoping to train for a sprint triathlon – a race that includes a swim (or paddle in my aunt’s case), a bike and a run – in early summer of 2027. We’ve talked about signing up for the same race location’s “aqua bike” – only the swim/paddle and bike portions of the race – in late August of this year. I’ve purchased only low-budget and second-hand gear for the open water swim, and I’ve borrowed a bike from my twin sister. And while it’s just a couple months away and the price of registering increases as race day approaches, I haven’t registered for the aqua bike race. Spending a lot of money on this goal feels like a big commitment, and I’m currently too scared, too unsure to commit. Thus far, my swimming has been confined to a pool. Maybe I’ll hate open water swimming. I’m not fond of being cold, and I’m not sure how helpful a wetsuit can be when I’ll still be sticking my face in cold water. Open water swimming techniques are also just different from pool swimming techniques. I’m worried I won’t be able to swim the required distances without pushing off from a wall every 25 yards like I do in the pool. I haven’t biked any distance since my hip replacements. I’m not sure how I’ll feel in the awkward position involved in sitting on a road bike. Until I feel like I have all the pieces in place exactly as I want them, I’m reluctant to commit to even spending $100 on a race – a commitment that has relatively low stakes in the big scheme of things. I’m completely in awe of these men who have committed themselves fully by saying “yes” to God’s call to the priesthood. I’m sure the pieces weren’t in place exactly like Father Michelet Boncoeur, Father Tyler Fitzgerald, Father Dennis Ombongi and (to be ordained June 6) Deacon Kevin McCullouch would’ve wanted, but despite their imperfections, their struggles, their hardships, their fears and their doubts, they were willing to commit fully to Christ and to us as His Church. That takes a lot of trust in God and a lot of bravery. Please join me in congratulating and praying for our new fathers and deacon and in thanking them for their willingness to fully commit. |
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