OUR FRIEND IN A TIME OF ALONENESS

Georges Rouault

People today find it hard to be alone. We are used to being surrounded by others in the workplace, at school, extended family, shopping, etc.  Yet with this pandemic which has taken away so much of our daily freedoms, there is  a loneliness epidemic. We are not allowed to visit elderly parents, to be with loved ones as they die, or even bury the dead. Strangely, in a time when we are more connected than ever through the media, there is a terrible feeling of isolation. Not having loved ones around who can share a vulnerable conversation can make people feel even lonelier.

This is the time for us to find friendship in Christ, who has given Himself to us as the greatest friend we can have.  “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. (John 15: 12-15) 

The cross proved to us, Jesus' love for us.  He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He loves us more deeply than anyone else ever could. We are closer to His heart than any earthly friend we could ever have.

Rouault- Jesus with His Apostles

Jesus chose us as friends, He died for us as friends and He will remain our friend  for all eternity. The hymn*  “ What a friend we have in Jesus” could never be more true!

The Catholic Church has also given us the example of the saints, who are also our friends.  Find one that can be with you as we all  experience this imposed isolation

* "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" is a Christian hymn originally written by preacher Joseph M. Scriven as a poem in 1855 to comfort his mother, who was living in Ireland while he was in Canada. He originally published the poem anonymously, and only received full credit for it in the 1880s.