Meditations on the bus

I work in the city, and that means all the ups and downs of city life on a daily basis. It can be crowded and hot, traffic clogs up, and tempers seem to flare. All that humanity, tightly packed. I get a few blessed minutes every morning on the bus and typically spend it praying and meditating. Today's meditation was from Jean Vanier, the founder of L' Arche. (If you're not familiar with him, visit this lovely site.)

Here's one thought from him on communion:

 Communion is at the heart of the mystery of our humanity. It means accepting the presence of another inside oneself, as well as accepting the reciprocal call to enter into another. Communion, which implies the security and insecurity of trust, is a constant struggle against all the powers of fear and selfishness in us, as well as the seemingly resilient human need to control another person.

Jean Vanier, Becoming Human

Nearly every day, on my way into work, I see a man on a bicycle. I tend to think he is carrying all his possessions on the bike with him. He is dirty, unkempt, always with a cigarette in his mouth, never makes eye contact. He is the sort who makes most of us uncomfortable, wary. I call him Jesus, to remind myself that he is made in the image and likeness of God, even in this most distressful disguise. I pray for him every morning, asking God that all who meet him this day are kind to him, for he must have a difficult life.  I hope that is the communion Mr. Vanier speaks of. I hope for that.