Draped With a Rag He Was

Theology in the Trenches

Draped with a rag he was—the man a few pews in front from where I sat. First the man sat, then he stood, all the while looking down. Disrupted focus brought the young man’s chin to his chest as shoulders slumped while a mismatched rag draped over his short-sleeved summer shirt. Thin was the cotton for this time of year.

The cold had not left the lingering days of winter as spring had not yet arrived. It was the crumpled cloth over his left shoulder which drew me in. Quietlike, it lay limp as the man sat motionless just ahead. Watching closely, he looked as though he was asleep. Or, was he merely disengaged from the worship service proclaiming the Lamb of God at its peak? He moved not. His stillness could be sensed by others, and I wondered if I was the only one wondering if the man ahead was okay.

Tilted was his head, and downcast his eyes remained.

It was about midway through the service when I heard it. A little cry. A muffled sound from somewhere near the man could be heard, and my ears perked. Was he was weeping? Perhaps he was feeling deeply that which was all around—music and all. His shoulders lifted a little as he exhaled. Yes, he must be crying. The whimpering sounds began again, and I kept watch.

Soon, up out of nowhere, a little head bobbled upon the crumpled rag—giving notice as to what was going on. Bright eyes peered over the shoulder of the light cotton summer shirt as the man’s strong arms held fast. Cuddle he did—keeping watch on the little one in his arms. On guard was his heart for that which he held—physically and emotionally.

Approximately forty-five minutes into the worship service, the man ahead gently passed the crumpled cloth and babe to the woman who sat beside him. But only for a moment did she hold, as soon the babe was passed back to the care of the man so the three-some might join the line to commune as one.

“This is my body, given for you,” was spoken before they received. And as they received, the evidence reflected another reality being lived out as the man and woman held fast to their little babe. You see, their bodies had been given for the child—to guide, guard, and protect forever and ever.

“This is my body which is given for you” (Luke 22:19). Mimicking real life as the woman’s body had been given to the man, and the man’s body had been given to the woman, and woman’s body had been given to the babe, and the man and woman now hold the babe—just like the time over 2000 years ago. Long ago a babe entered this world to give His life for all mankind—and in kind because He gave, we, too, are able to give. Sacred is His life-giving presence.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit three in One.  Amen.