7th Day of the Christmas Novena

Ransom captive Israel...
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A long time ago, I went on pilgrimage, with very little money and hardly any provisions - just a change of clothes.  I was on my way to a Camaldolese hermitage to be a monk, so I thought.  I had left the world only a few months prior to my trip - all on fire with spiritual fervor.  I left behind friends and family - so I thought - although later I understood that the pilgrimage was not meant to be definitive... 
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Anyway, while on the bus - I had decided not to hitchhike in the southern states and so I rode a Greyhound bus part of the way - I met a guy around my age, seated next to me.  He reminded me of my little brother, although he was kind of hillbilly, or so I thought.  We talked.  He noticed I prayed my rosary and asked me about it.  We talked well into the night about God and Jesus.  Then he fell asleep - his head falling upon my shoulder.  I didn't know what to do at first - then I fell asleep too.  I awoke the next morning and he was gone - he must have got off the bus during the night without waking me.  That was such a lonely feeling.
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+Prayer+

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Oh my Jesus, you came down from the bosom of the Father, homeless, friendless and forsaken, for our salvation.  Our faith embraces you in the disguise of your weakness, your humility and poverty, and we behold with great delight the new light of your glory...  Oh Divine Infant Jesus, open our hearts to the penetrating gaze of your merciful love - grant us your mercy and the healing we seek and need - or if it be your will, leave us as we are - only grant us your salvation, and free us from the power of sin and death.  Amen.