I was sipping my coffee in one of my favorite places in San Francisco. The Sun was warm on this lovely, pleasant day. The City was alive after months of being on life-support as Covid-19 had its way with us.
I was longing to return to the “normalcy” of city life. The wounds of the pandemic are deep, but I sensed a slow rebirth. I had almost forgotten what I loved best about the City is what I wish did not exist.
As I sipped my coffee, pondering the rebirth of the busy streets, a poor man with deep penetrating eyes came walking through the doors of the coffee shop, I realized how much I missed seeing my friends who live in the streets, the doorways, and who knows where.
He was short and somewhat bent over. His pace was that of a person with a mission. Like kings looking for treasures, he rummaged through the garbage cans. No one was bothered or upset. Such activity has become routine.
He reminded me of the reality of the City, the Country and the World. Have I come to accept hunger, homelessness, and alienation as usual? Oh, what a gift he gave me. It must not be this way. I will attempt to be more generous, courageous, and sensitive to the injustice around me.
As the streets come back to life, the poor rise from their invisibiity, allowing us to meet them and be loved by them. As I reached for a five, he looked at me and blessed me with his eyes. Then, rushing through the door with a sense of urgency, he nodded, smiled, and disappeared into the crowded street.
He is out of sight. May he never be out of mind. I wanted to give a five-dollar bill to a man who gave me heart anew!
Blessing to you, my friends, for your generous heart. May my friend meet you on the pathways of your life. Blessed Holidays to all.
Peacefully,
Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P.
Notice
As things begin to return to a new normal, we at The Interfaith Peace Project are here for you in any way that you need us. The Antioch Center is now open to fully vaccinated people on Wednesdays, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. We are vigilant and will adjust to any and all recommendations from the state and county. We will continue our work through Zoom as we add in person programs. If you would like to schedule an in person or Zoom program or would like a phone appointment with any of us, give us a call. You may call or email Tom at:
Tom Bonacci
925-787- 9279
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