Fools for God

TODAY: Find a way to be a “clownselor.” Use humor or exaggeration to give attention or comfort or even advice to a friend. When you see the rewards of that extra effort, talk to Joe Matney about joining the church’s clown ministers.

This window puts us on the edge of our witness to the world. The dark red reminds us not only of Pentecost but also of the sacrifice of so many whose lives have brought vitality to the church. The array of several rod, staff and cross forms challenges each of us to pick up our own cross, to follow, to journey forth in witness to a hurting world.
— Jay Hanke

In 1995, the Caritas Clowns, the Church of the Good Shepherd’s little clown ministry unit of Amore (Lin), Filly (Eileen) and Dr. Joey (Joe), went to the Hermitage acute care home to visit with the elderly residents and staff. This visit was our first ever — we were “taking the plunge.” We all were running late, but we visited silently with the residents of each floor. Such a gift to be there. After our visit, we paused for a prayer of thankfulness, “Yea, God!”

One major lesson for me came from watching Amore interact with each person. No matter their connection or ability to respond — some were quite apart in their own thoughts — Amore showed each person deep respect and gave each person her full attention. An important lesson.

Within each face, each body, no matter how broken, within each heart, is a child of God. A person called by name, precious in the Holy One’s sight. As humble representatives of God’s extravagant caritas (caring), we are called to be ever mindful of all this and respond accordingly.

These are God’s ways. Yea, God!

— Dr. Joey (Joe Matney)