Loneliness is one big problem people face today. One may be in the midst of a big crowd but can feel left out. During a General Chapter of a religious congregation, although the participants were all priests and brothers from the same congregation, they feared the risk of being left out. During mealtimes, for example, everyone hurried up to the dining hall to make sure that he sat at a table where a common language – Italian, Spanish, or English – was spoken. Sitting at a table where one person spoke Italian and knew no other language, where another spoke Spanish and knew no other language, was quite an awkward experience. One had to "adjust:" Eat as fast as one could, smile a little to the person sitting next to him, say "Hola" or "Ciao," and manage a few friendly comments about the day’s weather.

Yes, in a world where the culture of communication is often referred to as interactive, one can still feel left out – a victim of loneliness! Jesus in His humanity felt this experience, during His darkest hours, in spite of His circle of disciples. He knew they could not stay with Him in His passion. What supported Jesus was His oneness with the Father. In the Gospel, He declares with confidence: "I am not alone, because the Father is with Me."

SOURCE: "365 Days with the Lord," ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.