Jean Vanier comes to town

What a man. 'We are healed by those we have rejected'. What a message. For those who don't know, Jean Vanier set up L'Arche, which have something like 140 communities around the world where people with mental and physical disabilities live together, aided by volunteers. He has lived in one such community for the past 40 years, apparently selfless in his devotion to serving others.

But his message last night was one of two-way giving, a life that is mutually beneficial to disabled resident and able volunteer. A counter-cultural message, preaching a way of life that is without competition and prejudice. A way of life with love at the centre, where life has a meaning, where people are told 'I'm glad you are alive; my life would be all the poorer without you'.

Charity should not assume an authority, should never assume that the 'poor' have nothing to teach us about life, about ourselves. But neither should it be based on the sure hope of something in return. Jesus said when you host a meal, do not invite your family, your neighbours, your friends and ply them with fine wine and food. Rather invite the poor, the sick, the lame, the hungry - and treat them to the wonders of your table. Because when it comes down to it, your family, friends and neighbours will repay the favour with more of the same.

You'll get much more back from those less fortunate than yourself, but you may not realise it. A group from one of L'Arche's Scottish communities came to stay with us on Iona back in the summer, and it is only in the context of hearing Jean Vanier talk about his experiences and his belief in the wholeness of these people that I am coming to realise what an effect they had on me.

What a man. 'We are healed by those we have rejected'. What a message.