The Gospel of John, chapter 16:32

The problem of loneliness has or will affect all of us at some time in our life. It is a universal problem. Take a look at our large cities, our huge school complexes and the vast number of people living just a few feet apart and are total strangers.

There were approximately 250 million people in the world when Jesus was born. Now there are six billion and the population continues to grow, and with that growth, the problem of loneliness.

A person can be alone and isolated even in a crowd. Crowds of people do not solve the need for intimacy. Intimacy is a feeling from within, and is felt when people enjoy a sense of affection, love and trust. You can have this feeling for someone not near you, like a spouse, a child or a friend. You can posses this feeling of intimacy with God, within you.

So many people today, the young and the old, have turned to alcohol, drugs and unbridled sexual activity for the solution to their problem of loneliness. Their reasoning is that no one cares; they feel cut off from people, deserted or banished from their company. Self worth is lacking and they feel inadequate to handle everyday problems in a normal way.

Loneliness is part of life, and, if handled properly, the experience of loneliness can be turned into the positive experience of solitude. Solitude forces us to look at our own emptiness and at the inadequacies of others to fill that space within. Most creative people find inner strength in solitude, often separating themselves from the crowd in order to get in touch with themselves. Jesus was a solitary person, but He was not empty and He was never alone. He was always united with His Father. “The hour is coming …and you will leave me alone; yet I am not alone for the Father is with me.” (Jn. 16:32) He alone had the responsibility to fulfill God’s plan of salvation. It was a solitary task which he handled through prayer and a strong belief in the Father. The same holds true for us.

If we accept God’s help, the problem of loneliness can be overcome. Spiritually, we will be at peace with ourselves. God promises that if we allow Him to truly be our Father, then the peace of God will fill our hearts and minds.

We will never be alone for God is with us, always.

Fr. Hugh Duffy

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