MARRIED TO THE BODY OF CHRIST–part two

The parable continues

Abigail enthralled his adult class with her description of her call to be a nun. He assumed the worship service that followed went well, but his mind was really on the lunch to follow. He had chosen to take her to the Olive Garden. As they were approaching the restaurant, Abigail’s foot caught on a rise in the sidewalk and she stumbled forward. Without thinking, David’s hands shot out, one around her waist and the other catching her arm. He felt her body tense as he pulled her to a standing position.

“Thanks,” she said. She blew some air out her mouth. “Those demon sidewalks will get you every time.”

When seated in the restaurant, David noticed that Abigail was looking everywhere but at him. She would respond to his questions but he missed looking into those beautiful gray eyes. It continued even after the food came and they were conversing about her class and his church.

Finally, David asked. “Abigail, you seem very nervous, and I notice that you are not looking at me when you speak. Have I done something wrong?”

She picked up a fork but put it down again. “No, David, you didn’t do anything wrong. I’m practicing a discipline called the custody of the eyes.”

“I don’t understand.” He had placed both hands on the table on either side of his plate, extending about halfway across the table.

“Custody of the eyes is a discipline of not looking at anything that might disturb your singleness of heart. I knew when I first met you, that you disturbed me. I thought it would pass but then you showed up at the Starbucks and invited me to teach the class and go to lunch. . .” She picked up her napkin and patted her lips.

Feeling both pleasure and discomfort, David leaned in but avoided looking at her eyes.

“Abigail, in the class you spoke of your vow to be a nun as like a vow to be married to Christ’s church. While the Lutherans don’t demand it, when I became ordained, I chose to remain celibate so that I could be married to the church as well.”

“This is crazy, David. We met less than a month ago and have only seen each other, what, three times? This is not a romance novel. What’s happening?”

“I don’t know, Abby. We need to be very professional about our relationship. Maybe we shouldn’t even see each other unless others are around.”

Her right hand moved across the table until it came near his left hand. She raised her little finger and laid it on his little finger. “Maybe a little pinky touch now and again.”

Then she looked up, with pain on her face. “Is it adultery, David, to be married to Christ and feel attraction to another human being?”

We each made a vow to be married to the Body of Christ, Abby. I want to honor that vow for you and me but also be open to the possibility that God may see that vow in a way that includes the two of us together.”

A waiter approached. “May I interest this lovely couple in some dessert?” “No thank you, “Abby said, “I’m trying to learn it takes discipline to refuse dessert.”