The day we met Rafael

Steve and Jasper, Port Fairy

If you want to meet strangers, get a dog that likes people. Our Jasper is a people magnet.

I was walking Jasper yesterday when we met Rafael. While he patted Jasper and Jasper licked his face I asked Rafael where his accent was from — Columbia, but he’s living in Melbourne now. He loves it, but misses his parents and nine brothers and sisters.

Your parents must be good Catholics! They were. What about you Rafael, do you have a faith?

Not really, but sometimes I pray.

When I was young my brother threw a ball at me and it jammed in my throat. I stopped breathing and died. My parents rushed me to the hospital, praying that I would recover and I did.

What about now Rafael? Are you seeking God? Do you want to know him?

I know he’s there, but I’m not seeking him. Although I know my mother prays for me every day.

I prayed for him. We swapped numbers and went on our way.

Rafael knows God rescued him from death as a child. He knows his mother prays for him, but he has no sense of urgency or need for God. He represents his generation.

So why bother engaging the Rafaels of this world at all? Because his story is not over yet.

I wonder who Jasper and I will meet today on our walk?