One of the reasons I enjoy wearing a clerical collar is that it leads to interesting conversations and interactions that otherwise would not take place. Today, it was Friday in the second week of Lent, I dropped by the Fresh Market to pick up some things for dinner. As I approached the check-out, the man in front of me turned and said, “Hello Father” in what was clearly a Northeastern accent (Pennsylvania, perhaps). After exchanging pleasantries, he began pointing out his purchases.

“I’ve got some prosciutto, here; some cappicola, a little salami.”

I couldn’t resist the temptation. “You’re obviously observing a Holy Lent,” I said.

He didn’t miss a beat. “It’s Lent?” he asked.

“You could have said that you were buying these things for tomorrow,” I replied. “But then you’d have another sin to confess.”

Quickly, he countered, “That’s right, we’re having fish sticks tonight.”

By then, we were both laughing and I said, “Don’t worry. I’m Episcopalian. We don’t take all that too seriously.” I didn’t mention that I avoid eating meat on Lenten Fridays. I will probably never see him again, but I’m sure I made a lasting impression on him and perhaps, he will wonder where the life of faith might be leading him.