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Small Acts for God

Posted by Robyn Lee in Faith on Friday, September 23, 2011 8:00 AM

My friend Heather and I are involved in a ministry called Theology on Tap. The basic idea of Theology on Tap is creating a forum where young people of all walks of life could talk about the faith in a casual setting at a bar or restaurant. A typical Theology on Tap consists of a 45 minute talk, 15 minutes q&a and time for fellowship afterward.

This forum opens the door to young people who wouldn’t think to walk through the doors of the church, but would maybe listen to a talk at their favorite bar. Hearing the Truth in this setting may open their hearts to come back Home.

Usually during a talk we get people who will wander in from the bar. They all have a curious look on their faces and I know they wonder: Why is there a priest in the bar? What are they doing back here?

Some come in and stay, others only listen for 30 seconds ... but maybe that 30 seconds is just enough time to open their hearts.

At the last event we had someone wander in from the bar, who not only listened, but had the courage to raise his hand to ask a question: “I’m a good person, but what if I don’t believe in heaven or hell?” The attitude of the question was in a taunting manner and perhaps said to frazzle the priest. Father responded, “Great question!” and continued his response with such charity and patience. The stranger’s attitude softened. You could tell he was impressed with the answer. He lingered after the talk and went to talk with Father one on one. I don’t know what they talked about, but I do know the seed was planted.

Towards the end of the talk we always ask a priest from the local parish to come and hear confessions in the back.

That’s right, confessions in a bar.

We set up two chairs to give the option of face-to-face, but because of a generous donor we also bring a kneeler. My mom even made a screen for it so that people could have the option to go anonymously.

Funny thing about that kneeler is ... I have to carry it ... in the streets of a popular city ... into a crowded bar ... with everyone looking at me.

I’m turning heads, but not because of my great hair and cute outfit. People stare at me. I don’t mean just a quick look, I mean car-stopping, accident-inducing, jaw-wide-open stares.

I try to act like carrying a kneeler down the streets of a big city is completely normal. I walk confidently, flip my hair and give a look like, “What? Doesn’t everyone carry a kneeler on their shoulder?”

One time a homeless man came up to me and offered to carry the kneeler if I bought him some dinner.

Another time a person (with his head tilted in a quizzical look) stopped me and asked, “are you carrying a pew on your shoulder?” Me: “Well, a kneeler.” POS: “Where are you going?” Me: “Theology on Tap.” POS: “Is that like church in a bar?” Me: “Not exactly, but why don’t you come and see for yourself?”

The people in the bar are intrigued. What on earth is this girl coming into a bar with a kneeler slung over her shoulder? I feel their eyes and my face burns red hot.

But then later, I see that same kneeler in the corner of the room, but there is someone kneeling on it and behind her others are lining up for confession. I see the face of one recently absolved and suddenly my vanity about carrying the kneeler seems silly.

Through this unique forum, attendees have the opportunity to have their sins washed away through the sacrament of confession. Hearts are being converted and the mercy of God is being poured out.

My only job was to carry the kneeler.

Even in our sinfulness and shortcomings, God uses us to fulfill his mighty plans. Great things can happen through us, even in the little things. We just have to say yes.

In what ways have you seen God’s big plan in your little yes? What is your story about God’s hand in your own ministry or everyday life?

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