Christ in the Back Seat

By Joe Sullivan, MJ • Phoenix, AZ

Working as a driver, taking people to and from their medical and doctor’s appointments, is a service I try to provide with much love for the passengers. My driving during work hours is a bit different than when I am driving for myself. I am much more attentive to everything when I have a guest in the back seat. 

The majority are elderly and need a helping hand. My patience level has increased exponentially since I started working this job five years ago. Something that would have made me upset or angry then, is not even considered an inconvenience anymore. Things like arriving way too early or too late that normally provoke a complaint towards me from passengers don’t affect me much anymore. I have no control of this. The ride is dispatched sometimes much too early or much too late, but I would get the brunt of the disgruntled client. It is a great way to practice humility, especially when I do not try to defend myself. People are normally gracious when I apologize and begin a conversation. 

The most important thing is to always remember I have in the back seat Christ, who is in pain and requires my attention and love. Up on the sun visor over my head is Our Lady of Sorrows reminding me that the more compassion I give to the passenger, who is another Christ, the more I am consoling Her, for she of all humanity suffered the most. Whenever I gaze upon her sorrowful face in the image as I drive, more empathy and compassion are roused within me. 

At the end of the day, as a member of Miles Jesu, like the monastics of old, the city is my monastery, and a Toyota Rav 4 is my cell where I encounter Jesus each and every day.