Some people find despair in loneliness, while others truly enjoy being alone.
It is said that in America, up to 50% of the population is socially isolated and has few meaningful relationships with others. The effects are profound, from self-loathing to high blood pressure to a 50% increased risk of premature death. Some experts say isolation is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
And then there are those who find “loneliness” transforming. The time alone leads to self-discovery, emotional resilience, and a greater sense of independence. They cherish solitude and quiet time and rarely need or seek validation from friends or family.
But no matter which group we might fall into, as Jesus so aptly points out in today’s Gospel, we are never alone. No matter how desolate the situation or remote the location, God the Father is with us. Step by step, holding our hand or with a gentle hand on our shoulder, he is there to guide and comfort us.
But do we take full advantage of all the world’s best friend has to offer? Jesus did, in his time of suffering and agony as well as in times of thanksgiving. His words to the apostles, I am not alone, because the Father is with me (John 16:32), are certainly worth repeating, as they apply to us just as much as they did to Jesus.
Jesus’s words to the apostles, In the world you will have trouble, still ring true today. As we go about our all-too-hectic lives, we can pause and remember the peace and joy that fill our hearts and souls when we acknowledge that God the Father is our faithful friend. He is always ready to listen, encourage us, and give us the strength to face seemingly overwhelming challenges or difficulties.
During our Daily Examen, let’s pay special attention to God’s loving presence in our lives and reflect on how he is a part of our daily affairs. Let’s also acknowledge the many gifts he has given each of us, which we can use to honor and praise him. Maybe then we can find God in all things.
Steve Scholer
I came to Creighton to attend law school in 1976 and following 5 years of private practice I started what I thought would be a 4 year job to help Fr. James Hoff, S.J. raise funds for the Campaign for Creighton. Little did I know that the many wonderful people I would soon meet, both here on campus and across the entire country, over the next few years would lead me to stay and continue to support the mission of this University. My wife is a Creighton graduate and our son, Frank, is a Xavier undergraduate and Creighton law graduate. Our daughter, Paige, has both her undergraduate and master’s degree from Creighton.
I do not participate in social media websites so posting my personal interpretation about what the readings mean to me is a novel experience for me. However, being required to put pen to paper forced me to become more reflective about what God is really trying to say to me and this has helped me in my daily prayer life - to slow down and let the Word of God dwell within me instead of racing through the daily devotions.
