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| Susan M. Recinella, Clinical Psychologist for mentally ill adults, and
Catholic Lay Minister to Families of the Executed |
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Bus Theology
By: Dale Recinella
It is said that God speaks through our circumstances.
There is something in the nature of things which reveals God’s order at work in our lives. I find this applies to my
experiences as a bus commuter in Rome.
When I first started commuting, I tried to stay balanced by holding on to a bar at the level of my waist or shoulder.
It never worked. As the bus jerked and jarred, I was always banging against other people. I’ve learned that I must raise
my arms and grasp a hand hold higher than myself. This is true in my spiritual life as well.
Also, during my first several weeks of commuting, my knees and my joints were quite sore. They were being exposed to
new pressures from new directions by the jostling of the busses. So too, in my spiritual life, moving just a little
outside my normal, comfortable routine strains new spiritual muscles. We are creatures of habit. Comfort is especially habitual.
With busses, as with life, I was looking for perfection. At first, I would only take the exact bus that would carry
me from right where I was to right where I wanted to go. I spent a lot of time standing in the rain watching busses
go by. Now, every bus is my bus, even if it only takes me three blocks closer to where I’m going.
Recently, the busses gave me quite an insight about beginnings and endings. After work, I ran to Colonna to catch
the 280. It zipped past 20 meters ahead of me. I ran to Cola Di Rienzo to catch either an 81 or a 32. As I turned
the corner, both had just left. So, I briskly walked the 10 blocks to Piazza del Risorgimento to catch a 982. At
the Risorgimento crosswalk, I saw the 982 circling the piazza. It pulls straight in on arrival. It only circles as
it is leaving.
I stopped and muttered to myself about “bad bus days”. Then, to my amazement, it pulled in to the stop. Street
construction had caused a detour. What looked like a bus leaving was in fact a bus arriving. So it is with life.
Many new beginnings come in the disguise of endings, even very disappointing and difficult endings.
Most importantly, I’ve learned to be patient. There’s always another bus coming. It’s already headed in our direction.
First published: The Talahasse Democrat, August 1997
© 2008 Dale S. Recinella & The Talahasse Democrat.
Used with permission. All rights reserved.
No further reproduction or republication without prior written permission.
www.iwasinprison.org
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I Was In Prison
News & Updates
This ezine is targeted for people involved in prison ministry or in stopping the death penalty, we think you will find helpful information for people who are undecided about capital punishment, for those who have never experienced the inside of a jail or prison, and for those who feel called to participate through prayer and adoration.
Your name and information will never be used or shared with anyone. We promise!
Dale S. Recinella, Catholic Lay Chaplain, Florida Death Row and Solitary Confinement
Susan M. Recinella, Clinical Psychologist for mentally ill adults, and
Catholic Lay Minister to Families of the Executed |
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