Scripture
Philippans 4:6-7
Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Reflection
I have often felt alone and in despair during this pandemic. I have a fairly large family – my husband and I and 4 children and yet, there are times and days I feel alone and sad. Like many of you, I am sad that I cannot receive Holy Communion or go to confession. Sad that I can’t interact with other parishioners, sad that I can’t go and visit my parents, sad for others who are isolated and alone. Sad for my own eighth grader who will not have a graduation ceremony this spring and for other eighth graders, seniors in highschool and college that will not have their ceremonies this spring. Sad for the 2nd graders who worked so hard all year to prepare for their first communion who now have to wait an undetermined amount of time to do so.
My feelings of loneliness stem from the fact that yes my 4 children are with me each day but noone understands my situation. By God’s grace, my husband is still working full time, but he goes to work before everyone is up and comes home and is exhausted and is not up for much interaction. My job situation is unique. I have always for the most part worked from home so interaction with coworkers was always limited but now is just about non-existent and with the stay-at-home orders my services are not even needed at this time. I have felt desperate to be included in things at work – like I need it to feed my soul.
To combat these feelings I think of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who dwelt among his friends and disciples knowing they did not understand his purpose. He must have felt alone and sad often. I have been uplifted by attending daily Mass online or on Facebook at SMI. We sit as a family and attend Mass online on Sundays. I have gone on walks while listening to Christian music, I have gotten out and done yardwork to upkeep and care for what God has given me. I have begun home improvement projects, again to upkeep what God has given me. I have spent more time interacting with my children, a gift God has given me. I have reached out to groups of people to see how things are going for them and share some words of encouragement. Basically instead of dwelling on all that I am missing, I try to look around and see what God has given me and find ways to nurture and appreciate it.
Song
Prayer
Loving Father, I come before you today and ask that you comfort me in times of loneliness. Be my shelter in the midst of this storm and walk beside me each day. At times I feel so alone, in desperation, longing for human interaction and conversation. Remind me that you are at my side always. Help me take comfort and be encouraged in the promise that, no matter the time or the situation, you would not forsake me or leave me. Amen
