By John Paladini ~

We recently spent a couple of days on vacation in New York City. It’s fascinating to walk the streets and avenues.

You see an eclectic mix of buildings and architecture.

After our breakfast of an “everything” bagel with cream cheese (Andee had lox on hers)  we headed up 50^th Street to Madison Avenue, where Saint Patrick’s Cathedral has stood since 1879.

Its gothic revival architecture provides a sharp contrast to the modern buildings all around.

One of New York’s taller buildings in its day, the 328 foot spire is dwarfed by the many skyscrapers that sketch the New York skyline today.

I hardly knew we had arrived as we wove our way, along the sidewalk, through a maze of scaffolding which envelopes the entire structure. I guess the recent 5.8 magnitude east coast earthquake has rattled authorities to require retrofitting these venerable edifices.

Finally we escaped inside through the massive arched entry. We were transported back a hundred and thirty years in time. We marveled at the lattices and doors carved by skilled hands that long ago ceased their work. Marble floors trod by generations of souls seeking God. Volumes of quiet space as the arched ceilings draw your eyes toward heaven.

Then as if on cue, the ancient pipe organ came to life and began to breathe its deep resonant tones until every nook and cranny was filled with worship. I hadn’t even noticed the worshippers in the pews until they began to sing praises to the Lord. I don’t know why it surprised me that the church was being used for the purpose it was created.

The bible says though our outward man is perishing, our inward man is being renewed day by day. (2 Cor 4:16).

I woke today with some aches and pains and realized I’m a lot like the cathedral. I continually need repairs. So if I notice a little scaffolding around my life, I’ll know that God’s at work and I still have days ahead to do what I was created to do. Worship him.