After reading about the solving of the Fr. Dowling mystery, I started to wonder what other clergy would do if confronted with a situation where someone was lying hurt by the side of the road. Heck, what about the vast majority of us who are NOT be-collared?
After talking to Rabbi Jack Paskoff, I realized that this isn't as simple a question as it might seem. Accident victims might be gravely injured, or dead. Family members might be overwhelmed, or in shock.
A minister isn't a magician. But they have a certain role to play - yet that role can also be played, to a large degree, by a layperson.
And some of us would be no help at an accident scene.
Perhaps it boils down to common sense -- if you think you can help, help. And if not, as Rev. Lentz said, call 911, and pray for a quick arrival of an EMT, and an angel.
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/886544_Column--Praying-with-the-stranger.html
