Honoring the Church
Posted on October 2nd, 2009
This morning I visited a parishioner in a hospital I don’t go to very often. Most places I’ve figured out where I can park for free, and supposedly at this hospital there’s free clergy parking, but I haven’t found it. So I parked in the garage, and as I was leaving I handed the attendant my credit card. He gave it back saying, “It’s free for you, father. Have a nice day, father.” Over the years I’ve parked a number of times in this garage, and I know this is not their policy.
I like it when hospitals give clergy free parking – it’s a nice courtesy – but I don’t expect it. And I don’t think I’m entitled to have my parking, or anything else for that matter, comped. But I consider it a great honor when it is. For it is not me that they are honoring, but the Church. And in the Church, they are honoring Christ.
So I’m giddy this afternoon. Not because I saved $4, but because a random stranger showed honor to Christ and His Church.
And I'm grateful you didn't get towed.
Which has happened before, as you know!
In addition to honoring Christ in this way, I think it's also that they want pastors to be there, an acknowledgment on the part of the hospital that the medicine the Seelsorger brings is of tremendous importance to the patient.
Hospitals should not only provide free parking, but also a prayer chapel for families — especially one set up so it can be used for private conversations between pastors and family members — stocked with free Gideons' New Testaments and basic tracts.
Moreover, the hospital staff should view pastors as welcome partners in the care of their patients.
Free coffee is always good too!