Daily Gospel Reflection

The Truth about Loneliness

Hi, I'm Matthew Kelly. Welcome back to Radical and Relevant, where we are exploring the genius of Jesus in the Gospels. And each day looking for one word, phrase, or idea from today's gospel, to go out into the world, to anchor our lives in the gospel, and to allow the gospel to shine light on the situations, circumstances, people, and experiences that we encounter today. The reading today is from John chapter 16 verses 29 through 33. Jesus's disciples said, "Now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure. Now, we know that you know all things and need none to question you. By this, we believe that you came from God." And Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? The hour is coming indeed. It has come when you will be scattered. Every man to his home and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone. For the Father is with me. I have said this to you, that in me, you may have peace. In the world, you have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world."

What jumps out at you today? The thing that jumped out at me is Jesus using the word alone. You'll be scattered. You will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone. Again, we've got this intimate relationship he has with the Father. The reality is, is that there are a lot of people in this world who are alone or who feel alone or who are suffering from debilitating, even paralyzing loneliness. And we, as a Christian community, we have a responsibility to let these people know they are not alone. They are not alone. We are with them. They are not alone. God is with them. And so as we make our way through the day today, let's be extra mindful. Let's expand our awareness of who is feeling alone, who is alone, who is experiencing loneliness. Have a great day and remember, be bold, be Catholic.