If you are not familiar with Philippe Petit’s endeavor it is amazing on so many levels. Unauthorized, illegally, he pulled off stringing a high tension wire between the Twin Towers and then walking from one tower to the next. Police offers arriving on the rooftop scene remarked he was more than walking the wire. He danced, jumping up and down on the wire, kicking his feet in the air. The engineering, logistics, and espionage to pull off the stunt demonstrates incredible planning and execution. Singularly focused after viewing the constructing of the Twin Towers on television, he knew he had to walk across the towers. The towers called to him to be traversed. It was his destiny. He is an amazing man, demonstrating fortitude and tenacity in pursuit of what many considered the impossible. His story is told in the documentary ‘Man on Wire”.

Philippe Petit proves astounding things can be accomplished, yet also keep in mind the easing of burdens Our Lord promises when we burden ourselves with his yoke. Philippe makes the remarkable appear easy, a walk in the park. Let us, as contemplatives, accomplish the same in our difficult endeavor.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and the burden is light”.