We spent 8 hours waiting in the emergency room last night. (My wife was not feeling well but is  fine now). The ER is the great equalizer. The homeless, the poor, the wealthy, the young, and the elderly  each take a number and wait together. To pass the time,I sketched whoever sat across from me throughout the evening. The men that sat opposite from me were there with a sick wife, girl friend, or child.

The experience also had symbolic value. We waited with the frail, homeless, and sick at the beginning of Lent for someone to help us, to heal us, and to save us. We were conscious of our helplessness. We lacked power to calm our fears and help ourselves. We needed a doctor. Come Lord Jesus!