The Brown Robed Monk (Remanants of a Trip to Assisi)
The brown robed monk sat near a stack of t-shirts. In stark contrast with one another—they stood. The leader of our group of travelers was moving rapidly along the corridors of a church. It was one stop among many as we made our way across the city to various sights.
As we passed, I did a double take and couldn’t help but stick my head right in through the doorway—waving at the lone monk who was watching those passing by. Frankly, I sorta felt sorry for him sitting there all alone waiting for someone to buy a t-shirt or two.
As I peered into the open doorway, he waved back motioning for me to come in. I smiled and his reassuring second and third wave encouraged me to continue. Moments later my husband was at my side. The brown robed monk made pleasant conversation as I looked around the room. On one shelf stood a Christmas stable along with the figurines which made up the crèche. It was not for sale, but rather it was on display for all to see. There were several throughout the room and each one was unique. As I read, they said where the Christmas scenes had come from.
That’s when the brown robed monk spoke. “Do you like them? You should see what it will look like here in a few weeks. We receive nativity sets from all over the world and people come to look at them. It’s beautiful!”
Pulling out my phone I began scrolling into the archives of my photos. Soon, I showed him a creation or two I’d made and his eyes lit up as he began writing his contact information upon a card. “You send one to us! We will put it out!”
But that wasn’t the best part. The best part was that he then asked my husband and I to bow our heads so he could say a prayer for us—just us who stood before the brown robed monk who stood amidst the tshirts. We bowed our heads and he prayed. After standing in the midst of prayer, he sent us on our way. Soon, another couple stepped forward asking for prayer. I suppose you know by now that the little brown robed monk really wasn’t there to sell tshirts. He was there to pray.
And who knows what the day will bring when one is open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Who knows what the day will bring when another stops to pray not only for you but with you.
And who knows what the day will bring when we pray anything at all.
I pray that the peace of the Christ-child be with you both now and always. I pray that within the movements of your day you be royally blessed as a child of the Prince of Peace. May you wear well the peace that passes all understanding. And finally, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil.47). Amen.
