I’ve begun catechuman classes, well, that’s not true. Technically it’s a study group for Orthodox inquirers until a certain prayer’s been said for those really interested in taking the plunge. Considering I had thought I’d already done so, I’d be willing to. 

After the first meeting I asked Father Mark, the priest running the thing, if there was any sort of suggested donation. He was giving us the Wednesday evenings of his life for the next half a year or so, and that seemed generous. He said no, if we wanted to give to the church there was a box for that very purpose upstairs, but the door was locked right now. 

Then he asked if Jesse, one of the other students, had any icons. He said no, so Mark went over to the little gift section in the basement, a place with pins and books and reproduction icons, and handed one to him, saying “now you do.”

He gave one to us for good measure, even though we said we had one of The Theotokos. He said good, don’t look at the price tag. It was $10. 

Something about being reminded of a thing, can inspire us to the opposite of it. Perhaps being asked about payment inspired Father Mark to reject any such notion of financial motivation. So unmotivated by money is he in his effort to bring us into the church that he’d be glad to give physical gifts, as his lessons are spiritual. Perhaps that would help me get the message if I could actually hold something.