St. Clement of Rome

I was at my seminary (the Episcopal Theological School at Claremont) a few weeks ago, addressing the Church Administration and Finance class on issues regarding clergy and money.

During lunch before the class, my Greek professor, the Rev. Dr. Ted Fisher asked me to sit with him. I graduated from that school in 1997, but Ted still remembers me: "I've taught hundreds of students here Diane, and there are very few that stand out in my mind: you're one of them." I asked him what I had ever done to have that distinction -- his answer was quick and simple: "You were always on the ball."

It was a wonderful compliment from a man I greatly admire.

He went on to remind me (which he didn't need to) that his PhD was on the letter of Clement of Rome, our patron Saint. He would quote parts of Clement during our Greek class -- and throw out some interesting tidbits (none, of course, which I can now remember!).

I'm always amazed and humbled by the impressions we as human beings make on one another -- for good or for bad. We have the ability in our time on this earth to try to touch people with the simplest of kindnesses -- as Ted did for me a few weeks ago. He subsequently invited me over to his home in Claremont to see the "stuff" he has started collecting. We will be making a date to do so after Christmas!

May all your encounters leave people feeling as though they just encountered the risen Christ.....