A central paradox of the Catholic faith holds that the quality of our spiritual lives entwines with the physical and emotional welfare of others. Our salvation may be through Jesus Christ, but our relationships to our fellow humans texture our faith.

The volunteer group for retired seniors will begin the afternoon by serving lunch to shelter patrons.

Refugees cross imposing physical barriers, like the Rio Grande River; I crossed a mountain range. I don’t know what it’s like to live as a persecuted minority, but now I have some appreciation for what someone must endure to take on such a challenging journey.

One unavoidable difference between my ride and the journey of a refugee is that I’m sure I’m going to get home. But I’m not certain I’m going to complete the whole ride. When a refugee leaves home, they have no guarantee they will make it.

One of the many reasons I love cycling is that it forces you to observe your surroundings carefully. You learn to look farther ahead for dangers and obstacles, keep a mental map of what’s behind you and use the sense of feel to guide you through changing terrain and windy conditions.

What strikes most people who begin volunteering with refugees, certainly what struck me, is how joyful they tend to be. As a group, refugees are optimistic, affable and prone to invite you to large gatherings where they give you food and treat you as an honored guest.