I caught a glimpse of the living Christ on Tuesday.  I was working with a man who was planning how to re-enter regular life when released from jail.  He described his own suffering, and the suffering he had created for his family, the last time he returned home after incarceration.  He had done a lot of thinking, praying and gathering wisdom this time and was ready to make amends and slowly rebuild relationships.

He spoke with humble grace and his face radiated joy.  For a few heartbeats I felt transported from the ordinary into a “veil is thin” experience.  Words aren’t adequate, but time seemed to pause for a few shimmery seconds.  I felt witness to Christ pouring out salvation into a broken soul who had surrendered and opened to the possibility of being made whole.

I have been feeling weary at work lately and digging deep to be genuinely present with hurting people.  This encounter reminded me to be faithful to the practice of tending to my own pain, and to honoring the suffering of others.

Prayer:  Living Christ,
Give me the energy and courage to look into each suffering face I meet today.  Thank you for the shimmery moments when your love is tangible.  Strengthen my faith that you are also present and working in each of the moments that feel ordinary.  Lead me to loosen my grip on ways I feel hurt or wronged so that I don’t pass on pain to others.  Bathe me in your transforming love.  Amen.