The Quarter

The Rev. Gary Darress and a beneficiary of the ministry of Laundry Love.

Photo courtesy the Rev. Gary Darress

BY THE REV. GARY DARRESS, DEACON

On Sunday, July 11, the Rev. Matt Holcombe and I had a great home visit with a parishioner— with the pandemic restrictions largely lifted, the three of us were able to spend time together. During the visit, Fr. Matt, the parishioner, and I learned more about each other. After 15 or so months of isolation and separation, we were beginning to rebuild our relationships. We did not share a meal or a snack. The conversation was nourishing enough as we gathered in the presence of Christ.

After the visit, I headed to downtown Colorado Springs, where two homeless ministries are based— one a ministry of St. Michael’s.

I exited I-25 where brothers or sisters sit to ask drivers for money. It was no different this Sunday. One man, after speaking with the driver immediately to my left, headed over to my car. I rolled the window down, ready to listen. I was still in my collar, so he recognized me as clergy. He smiled and asked me for a quarter all the same. I responded to say, truthfully, that I had no quarters. Still smiling, he replied disbelievingly—how could I not have a quarter? He reached into his pocket and handed me a quarter, saying, almost like a benediction: “You know what you need to do.”

He was right. After recovering from the surprise role reversal, I knew what I needed to do with my quarter.

I would use it for the “Laundry Love” ministry our church was starting the next day, Monday, July 12. The coin would serve as the “seed quarter” for the first load of laundry in St. Michael’s laundromat ministry. Having clean clothes is a big deal, especially for the poor and the unhoused. And parishioners can support those who need help paying for their laundry with donations. And I used that quarter for the first load of laundry the following day, feeling humbled by the generosity of my benefactor at the highway exit.

We are fed by God in many ways. God then expects us to feed others with whom we have direct contact—or contact through other people or organizations. If we hoard the gifts and talents God has given us, how are we living out our baptismal vows as followers of Christ? Are we following the examples of those first-century brothers and sisters who sold their possessions and combined the proceeds to help others?

I have been fed by God throughout my life. I have received nutritious food for my body. I have received love from God in Christ. I have a loving family and devoted friends. I have also been privileged to have been able to work for a wage I can live on—a wage that provides for my family and others.

On Sunday, I was able to help feed others through a home visit and great conversation. I assisted in two homeless ministries. I was also fed by a man at an interstate exit who gave me a quarter—a coin he possibly received from a driver who had earlier that day had stopped at the stoplight. I think he was truly perplexed with me. How could I have nothing to give? He showed me how easy it was by reaching into his pocket.

At the laundromat the next day, I was wearing by Franciscan Habit, since I am a Third Order Franciscan. St. Francis had given up all of his wealth and status to live a life imitating his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by serving the poor in and around Assisi. I have found that people tend to let down their guard and are more open with me when I wear my habit.

I did use the donated quarter I had received from the person at the off ramp to help a person with the cost of washing and drying their clothes. As the two of us stood by the machine this person said that they had not been to church for a number of years. This person had been thinking recently about going to church. I was happy to hear it. My ministry that day, however, was to support with cleaning clothes, because just yesterday I was supported by a loving, forgiving, merciful God in ways far greater than I have ever deserved or needed.

THE REV. GARY DARRESS is a deacon at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Colorado Springs.