The Gospel in Action

One of the joys of traveling on behalf of Wheat Ridge Ministries is participating in worship services in congregations across the country. While every congregation’s culture and worship style is unique, I always feel at home away from home as I join brothers and sisters experiencing the good news of Christ through Word and Sacrament and responding to it with thanks, praise and mutual care.

Occasionally on these visits, Christ’s message of healing and hope shows through in a unique way. Such was the case when I visited Zion Lutheran Church in San Francisco, California, a few months ago.

In the front pew during one of the worship services was a family of six. Mom and Dad sat at either end of the pew as “bookends” for three very tall and athletic teenaged young men and their little sister. During the offering, the tallest of the three stood up and walked back a few rows to where an elderly woman sat alone. The young man very deliberately took a seat next to her. During the communion liturgy, as we were called row by row to come forward, they both stood up. The young man gently held out his arm for the woman, who had difficulty walking, and supported her as she made her way up the stairs to the communion rail. Afterwards, he accompanied her back to her seat and then rejoined his family.

He and his family were already on their way home before I could catch up with them after the service. I found out from others that this was a weekly routine. At some point in the past, this young man recognized the need and was moved to respond with care and compassion. Perhaps he was prodded before he performed this act of kindness for the first time. Or maybe he just recognized the need and responded to it. I don’t know. In any case, it was evident that his service had become part of his worship routine and he carried it out on that day carefully and humbly.

I’m not sure why this incident has stuck with me. I guess it reminds me to be more aware of the countless small acts of kindness that take place every day as people share the love of Christ with others. While I don’t remember the Gospel lesson read that Sunday, I do remember the Gospel lesson that this young man shared through his actions. Thank God for acts of kindness shared and received in Christ’s name. Indeed. In deed!