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From the Pastor: What Is So Special About Monday?
Monday, September 9, is a big feast day, one that long-time Epiphany members (and readers of Fr. Z’s blog) know quite well. But for any newcomers, you might be unaware of the special celebration that is upcoming. Sure, it is St. Peter Claver’s feast day. I certainly don’t want to downplay that. In fact, I will celebrate two morning Masses dedicated to him, so important is that Saint. It is also the feast day of St. Gorgonius, although he will only receive a commemoration at St. Peter Claver’s Masses. But the special day of which I make mention is not the feast day of a Saint at all. “Then what is it?” you may ask, and I will gladly tell you should you do so. So, go ahead and ask! Ah, that’s better. Yes, I will gladly answer your most earnest inquiry, but first, sit down for a minute, and let’s open a couple of cold bottles of Alaskan Smoked Porter. What’s that? You’ve never tasted that particular brew? Join the club, for neither have I. I have a description of it, which I will share with you in just a minute, but it is in the tasting that the truth will come out. Whether or not it lives up to its advertised wonderfulness, we will have a delightful time praising it or criticizing it, offering thoughts about it and comparing it to other beers, perhaps even to other food and drink, and spending a bit of time together just doing something we are not able to do very often, namely, a lot of nothing. Yes, there is much to be said for doing nothing of any discernable import. To be able to set aside the “necessities” of the day, to be able to trust that we are not indispensable, that the world will survive without our input for an hour or so, that God, not man, is in control of everything, and that He gave us the very inspiration to produce such a delightful beverage to be shared among friends and family. But I said that I was going to give the official description of the beer, not the description of what we would do with it, so here you go. “Crafted with malt smoked over alder wood, Alaskan Smoked Porter showcases a unique and intriguing smoky character, akin to a campfire’s embrace. This robust porter carries notes of toffee and caramel, offering a delightful contrast to the smokiness. It truly shines during fall camping trips, adding a touch of the Alaskan wilderness to your outdoor adventures.” Smoked malt? It sounds like anyone who enjoys a peaty scotch will enjoy that part of it. Toffee and caramel? Let’s face it, somebody’s tastebuds have got to be seriously messed up to turn away at the thought of those flavors. Camping and campfires? Is it pure marketing? Absolutely! But I’ve already bitten. Let’s pop it open. No, it’s ok. I understand. Not everybody likes such a flavor bomb in their beer. You say you would prefer something else? I won’t hold that against you unless you ask for a Bud Light. Thanks for being upfront about it instead of fighting through a beer you won’t enjoy. I, myself, though generally preferring porters and stouts, willingly order just about any type of local beer if I am traveling. After all, I can get a Guiness anywhere in the world. But if I were to visit Arizona and found a light-bodied Cactus beer, I would gladly give it a shot. But, then again, I like darn near any food, so it makes sense that I enjoy, or at least tolerate, most beer and other drinks, too. The fruity beers, like Grapefruit beer from Florida or Blueberry beer from Michigan, are not my favorites, but having one or two every couple of years isn’t beyond my comfort zone. So what can I get you? How about a Maine Lobster beer from Bar Harbor? Ha, ha. You should’ve seen your face! Nah, I’m just pulling your finger... I mean, your leg. But if you want to try something a little off the beaten path without going either too dark or too light, how about an Avocado Honey Ale? “The beer has a light golden haze appearance with an ivory frothy head. Moving to its aroma, the beer shares a biscuity and nutty aroma with hints of sweetness reminiscent of wildflowers...Additionally, it has a super smooth and silky texture that further makes the drink mouthful and appetizing.” No? I’ve got just the one. Do you remember sweet breakfast cereals with the little marshmallows? Check out the description of this beer. “Saturday Morning IPA is a soft, light, and mouthful beer that knows how to satisfy one’s taste buds. The drink has a soft pillow body made using the following: Toasted marshmallow; Dehydrated Marshmallow; Calypso and Galaxy Hops. All these ingredients are united to give a sweet cereal taste to the drink with hints of orange/pear mixed aroma.” You’ll try it? Wonderful! Now that we have that settled and we both have a beer we’ve never tried, let’s get ready to have a blast critiquing them together! But before we take the first swig, I need to (finally!) tell you the reason for this get-together. In case you have forgotten or, poorly catechized Catholic that you may be, were never taught, September 9 is Buy A Priest A Beer Day! Alas, because I don’t have free time anymore, the above conversation about drinking such beers is just wishful thinking. But next year this feast falls on a Tuesday, which, after the morning schedule of Masses, confessions, and Adoration, I generally take off. Perhaps with a bit of advanced planning, we could make it happen. Start searching out your favorite (or weirdest) brews! With prayers for your holiness, Rev. Edwin Palka Comments are closed.
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