As citizens, we should not receive special privileges. As one who also wears the collar, I can tell you that clergy do get those special privileges from time to time. Once when I was coming out of a building and was headed to my car, I saw a meter maid writing me up for a parking violation. As soon as she saw me, she said, I m sorry, Father. Go on ahead.
Most hospitals have free parking spaces set aside for clergy.
Some restaurants and other retail establishments occasionally offer clergy discounts. I would be lying if I said that I didn t appreciate those small perks that sometimes come my way. This is nothing new. This morning s gospel lesson picks right up where last week s left off. John the Baptist was called to prepare a path for the coming of Jesus.