Calvary Episcopal Church
Memphis, Tennessee
THE CHRONICLE
December 9, 2001, The 2nd Sunday of Advent
Volume 46, No.40

"Signs and Wonders"
I once heard a sermon about a priest, who decided after having a busy
and hurried day, decided to stop for lunch at a nearby restaurant. As he
got out of his car, he noticed a homeless man standing in front of the
restaurant at which he had intended to eat. Exhausted and wishing not
to be recognized, the priest buttoned his overcoat around the neckline
in order to shield his clerical collar. However, feeling ashamed, the
priest unbuttoned his collar and proudly displayed the symbol of Christ's
presence in the world.

At the entrance of the restaurant, the priest asked the man, "Do you
need any help?" To which, surprisingly to the priest, the homeless man
responded, "Don't we all." I often reflect on the homeless man's response
and wonder about the priest's initial reaction after realizing that the
"beggar wasn't begging" but only desired to respond with compassion.

This is not just an isolated moment in the life of two individuals, but
reflects the reality of every Christian charged to serve God's people.
Every Christian who proclaims "Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior" wears
the collar of "signs and wonders." We wear this collar of Christ's love
during those times in our lives when we are refreshed and whole, as well
as those moments in which we are completely and unequivocally
exhausted and spiritually depleted.

When we are exhausted and spiritually depleted, God always provides a
way in which to make us whole. The priest in this story was exhausted
and depleted and so God provided the comforting presence of an
unnamed individual to make him whole again. God calls us to share the
love of Christ's incarnational birth with others in the hope that those
who are weakened will be made strong. In this season of great
expectations, let us become Christ to one another and the world.

Peace,
Allen F. Robinson+