I am the Lord your God: hear my voice. — Psalm 81:(see 11 and 9)

Mass readings: Hosea 14:2-10 / Mark 12:28-34

Lord of Loneliness

Yesterday, I listened to a Christian radio counselor. He’d taken a call from a middle-aged, single woman, struggling with loneliness. The counselor said, “How can you be lonely? You have the Lord of the entire universe who loves you. Aren’t you aware of what Jesus says is the greatest commandment? Loving God with your whole heart and soul?”

At his reply, I actually smacked the radio with the palm of my hand. Loneliness can be searing. No matter how much we love our infinitely loveable God, being alone can be very hard. Without a spouse or even a snuggle-buddy, we can feel lost and vulnerable in a sometimes terrifying world. When Jesus reminds us in today’s Gospel of the greatest commandment, He doesn’t suggest that the commandment rids us of human need and longing.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, attend the lonely and forsaken.