Meeting Brother Luthor

Meeting Brother Luthor March 11, 2025

A Reflection at the General Meeting of the Knights of Columbus Council 15659

I was working part-time for the company from which I just retired. That morning, I found myself in the company’s parking lot, trying to resolve an issue with the truck driver dropping off a waste dumpster. My company had previously arranged for the waste company to mark the spot. It was important that our forklift driver had clear access to all sides so large pieces of scrap metal and machinery could be loaded inside. The problem that morning was that the driver couldn’t drop the waste container because two employees had parked their cars in the exact location. The driver made it clear he was on a tight schedule.

The truck driver’s name was Luthor. He was a large man, resembling the towering Michael Clarke Duncan from the movie “The Green Mile.” We began a loud conversation over the idling diesel engine as he sat in the truck cab, about six feet above me. We had to wait for another employee to get the owners of the two cars.

Luthor asked me what I was up to. I told him I was retired but working part-time to help wrap up some long-running projects. He responded that he, too, was retired but had been forced out of the house by his wife because he was driving her crazy. He had no plans for retirement, so he found himself just hanging around at home. He chose to return to his job to keep peace in the family.

Luthor asked me what I was doing now that I’m retired. I told him I was going back to school. He seemed surprised and asked, “What’s a guy your age going back to school for?” I replied that I was in the first year of a four-year program to become an ordained deacon. He turned off the noisy diesel engine and leaned out of the open window. “You’re studying to be a deacon?” he inquired. “How did you find out about that?”

A worker approached and informed me that my 9:00 appointment was waiting. I had completely forgotten about a meeting with a contractor to discuss another project. The project I initiated was vital because it aimed to resolve a long-standing quality issue. I saw it as a sort of swan song project. However, instead of concluding my conversation with Luthor, I wanted to stay with him longer. I told the worker I would be there in fifteen to twenty minutes and suggested that the leadman on the equipment could assist the contractor until I could join them.

I told Luthor, “I’ve been thinking about this for some time. There was a meeting at church for men and their wives to hear a presentation, and we attended. I applied and was accepted.” He asked, “Is it just during school hours?” I replied that I was required to complete thirty-six hours of volunteer work at the church. Luthor suddenly had that unmistakable deer in the headlights look in his eyes when I said “volunteer.” Then he said, “Volunteer at church. That never occurred to me. I could do that too.”

Before too long, the two vehicles had been cleared away. Luthor noticed they were gone, started the engine, revved it, and drove over to the drop zone, placing the dumpster exactly where we had planned. He jumped out of the cab and approached me directly. He said he wished he had more time to talk because I had just given him something to think about. Then he declared, “I’ve made up my mind. After work today, I’m heading to the church to talk to the pastor. I feel good about this.” He added, “Thank you, man. You’ve just blown my mind. I can’t wait to tell my wife what you said. No more working.” He extended his fist, which resembled a mallet like those used on the carnival game High Striker. We did a fist bump. Again, he said, “Thank you.” I replied, “Blessings to you, Luthor.” He brought his feet together, straightened up as if coming to attention, and with a broad smile, said, “And the Lord’s blessings to you.” He turned around, went straight to the back of his truck, unhitched the dumpster, got into his cab, and drove away. I don’t expect to see Luthor again. I went inside to meet my guests.

Brothers, this is a story about two men of Christ, each a stranger to the other. One is adrift, having reached the end of his working career and realizing he no longer contributed anything worthwhile to his retirement years. The other continued to ply his trade, but with a look into the future and a new life. I am grateful for all that transpired that morning. This experience brought sheer joy to both of us. We each connected with someone we’d never encountered before. We were meant to be with each other that day. Indeed, with God, there are no coincidences.

I am reminded of the passage from the Gospel of Luke 24:32, “And they said one to another, ‘Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?’” We both felt a surge come alive in our hearts. We both are good men, two men of Christ, and our hearts burned with the Holy Spirit.

This morning was unusual for me. I generally pay close attention to my meetings and their schedules. I respect my vendors and their efforts to help me complete my projects. Typically, I would have excused myself for a more pressing matter, but this time I felt differently. I trusted my team in my absence, and they used their time wisely. My time with Luthor was well spent, and I am confident he will lovingly engage in every task the Lord has for him.

In our open conversation, Luthor and I discovered common ground. He was seeking answers to become a better man and a better husband. Both of us are retired yet still active, and we share a desire to embrace a life of service to our community.

As Knights, we are called to approach strangers in a spirit of fraternity and engage them in friendly conversation. You never know when your patience, words, and fist bump might spark a new vision for them, filled with joy, brotherhood, and charity through the Holy Spirit.

Through the intercession of Blessed Fr. McGivney, may we encounter brothers and sisters seemingly adrift in the world and welcome them into the safe harbor of Christ’s abiding and healing love.

Vivat Jesus,

SK Paul Thomas, Lecturer, St. Lucy Council 15659

Peace is the tranquility of order.” St. Augustine