"The King shall reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Jesus (Matthew 25:40)

Eating alone in a restaurant was never a favorite activity for the parish leader. However, the copious schedule of ministerial demands often forced him to either "eat on the run", or participate in an unplanned fast. Tonight the decision was made in preference to the former choice.

"Nonsmoking for one," he said to the hostess before she led him to the far corner of the dining area.

"Will you be needing a menu?" she asked, as he slid across the vinyl-skinned bench.

"No, that will not be necessary." he answered. "I'll only have time for a burger and some fries, and...a frosted mug of root beer." The hostess, re employed by the parson as a server, walked away mumbling something about "not my job...". The man of clerical clothing pulled a notebook from his pocket and began to jot down some notes about something or other while he waited for his supper.

It wasn't until the food was served that the preacher actually looked around the quaint county diner and noticed an old man in the opposite corner. The old man's hair was out of sorts mushrooming the soiled little cap cockeyed over his head. His gray/white beard clung tenaciously to a few crumbs and some mayonnaise. And his flannel shirtsleeves betrayed his total disregard for paper napkins. But it was the old man's eyes that captivated the heart of the parson. How bloated with loneliness were those pale blue eyes.

"I should take up my meal and join that man for supper," he thought to himself. However, as he began to collect the plates from his table, he noticed that the old man had but one or two spoonfuls of desert left in his dish. At that moment the senior's server walked in the direction of the parson's booth.

"Miss," he said, "can I have a word with you?"

"Yes," she replied, unaware of what was about to be asked of her.

"Have you given the bill to that senior citizen in the corner yet?"

"No," she said, "I was just about to write it up."

"Great! When you have done that, please give it to me. And then just tell him that a friend paid for his meal tonight. But don't let him know it was me."

There was a mirror in just the right position for the pastor to watch without detection as the old man in the corner received the news. Surprise, gratitude and finally the warmth of hope began to fight with the cold loneliness in the old man's eyes for the right of domain. He smiled, tugged at his little cap, and walked from the restaurant with the knowledge that someone cared!