“The Son of Man had authority on earth to forgive sins and heal the sick.” ~ Luke 5:18
Sydney, a mostly bald, six-year-old girl looked scared when
the oncologist entered her room. A second man named Dave wearing a red nose
followed directly behind Dr. Graves. So focused on her exam, the doctor didn’t
notice the funny man placing a Winnie the Pooh sticker on his shoe.
Sydney giggled. Dr.
Graves looked somber. As he turned to leave to continue his rounds, the clown
said “Excuse me, Doc! I’m not sure how to say this, but I think you’ve got Pooh
on your shoe!”
It’s tough being a
clown these days. Gigs are scarcer than ever since the pandemic, with most live
entertainment events cancelled. To make matters worse, many people are
coulrophobic (irrational fear of clowns). It was enough for many professional
clowns to ditch their costumes and remove the greasepaint.
But Dave couldn’t
picture himself doing anything else. A semi-retired Chaplain, clowning was in
his blood. Watching children laugh was his greatest treasure, it’s when his
inner smile grew so wide that it became like auditory fireworks.
The second most poignant thing was in their expression. Their
eyes, as mirrors to the soul, reflected a maturity beyond years, an
unmistakable comprehension of the severity of their illnesses.
Next Dave entered 10-year Danny’s room… with trepidation.
Dave didn’t have to initiate the conversation because this boy began talking immediately.
When he expressed the hope that he’d have at least a few more years to live,
Dave felt his strength fading.
Danny asked if the
clown would hear his confession. Dave obliged. It was a long confession, like
the story of a man who’d lived a long life. It turned out that he had a fervent
faith in God that helped him overcome many challenges including the sickness
itself.
Dave offered the
prayer of absolution and gave him Communion. He suggested that Danny come to
his church for communion again as his guest. He never got well enough to make
the trip.
Two stories of faith
renewed.
Ministry means
different things to different people. And when you place the word “clown” in
front of ministry, it can become even more confusing. Dave was a Christian, a
Christ follower, who used the art of clowning to serve people and to minister
the good news and the excellence of love.
Clowns with silly
faces, big red noses, enormous shoes, and funny hats are the epitome of “Being
the Church!” Actions can speak louder than words about God’s character.
