His Word Today: Alone

Good morning everyone,

As these days of social isolation and distancing march on, some of us may be finding the imposed isolation very difficult.  Even worse, it seems, is the fact that our brothers and sisters in hospitals and those who are in retirement homes have all but been denied access to visitors except in dire situations.  Especially for those who are in the final stages of life, the thought of having to be distanced from our loved ones can be very distressing.

The scripture passages for today's liturgy turn our thoughts to Jesus.  In the final days before his arrest, he too must have experienced profound loneliness.  He was surrounded by his disciples, the ones he had come to love, but knowing that his suffering was yet to come, he too would have known the agony of isolation which so many of our loved ones are experiencing now.

The words of the prophet Jeremiah must have been repeated many times in his mind: I hear the whisperings of many: 'Terror on every side!  Denounce him, let us denounce him' (Jer 20:10) ... While these sentiments may very well have been true, there was another word that was also present in his heart: But the Lord is with me, like a mighty champion (Jer 20:11).  Where the first word has the potential to deflate all our hope, the second word is powerful enough to remind us that we are never alone.

Evidence of this truth is also seen in the gospel passage today.  The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus (Jn 10:31).  How terrifying that must have been!  The Judaic law did not prescribe many valid circumstances for the stoning of a man, but such cruelty would nonetheless have instilled great fear.  In that instant, when others were reaching for the instruments of torture, any human being would have felt alone, afraid.

But the Lord is with me, like a mighty champion ... Did these words give Jesus strength in that moment of great isolation?  Certainly he found strength in knowing that he was not alone.  In fact, he found the strength to ask for their justification: I have shown you many good works ... for which of these are you trying to stone me? (Jn 10:32).  Even in the midst of a situation that would have paralyzed many with terror, Jesus continued to walk along the road with those who stood beside him, continually evangelizing them.  When they clarified their intentions - we are stoning you ... for blasphemy (Jn 10:33), Jesus went on to explain once again who he truly is: I am the Son of God (Jn 10:36).

Jesus never shied away from an opportunity to evangelize: to proclaim the truth of what he knew to be true about God the Father, and neither should we.  Even in moments when we might feel threatened, alone and afraid, we are never truly alone: the Lord is always with us, like a mighty champion.

Have a great day.