ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 15, 2022
Yesterday, I had to visit someone at the hospital early. There are times when simply claiming oneself as a minister is met with suspicion or even a “So what?” And when you are trying to get onto a floor or into a more restricted area at the hospital, especially early in the morning, you are met with a lot of obstacles. So, on a rare occasion, I pull out the clerical collar (priestly collar). It is not something ministers usually wear in our tradition, but there are times to pull it from the back of the closet, dust it off, and wear it. After work yesterday, I needed to run by the grocery store. I forgot I was wearing the collar, but I kept on thinking to myself, “Folk are in an exceptionally good mood today. Everyone is so friendly.” As I was checking out and the cashier referred to me as “Father,” it hit me.
Yet here’s my question: Did people treat me differently because I was a minister (looked like a Catholic priest)? And if so, why? Was it out of respect or out of some strange subconscious fear that clergy send people to hell for not smiling and saying, “Oh please, you go first”? Years ago, I heard a famous musician talk about being treated amazingly well, but then he added, “Shouldn’t we treat everyone as if they were famous?” Whoever it is for you—whoever that person is—for whom you would go above and beyond in your kindness, perhaps that should be the baseline of your kindness. Maybe that should be where we all start. In the 12th chapter of Romans, Paul reminded his readers not to think of themselves more highly than they should. Maybe there is another way of thinking of those words, which is to say, “Consider thinking of everyone as if they were rock stars.”
As you are kind, O God, I am seeking to be kind. As your kindness extends beyond every obstacle, I am working to extend the capacity of my kindness. With your help, it is possible. Amen.
