Alone

It seems we live in a world where making friendships is not as easy as it used to be.  But people are often lonely because being with other people would mean that they could not live their lives the way they want to. So they are the lonely alone.

Sometimes people tell me that they do not want to marry because it would mean that they could not do just what they want.  And people have said that they do not want children for the same reason.  I find it interesting that God tells us the family is a unit where He places those who are alone;

“God places the lonely in families; He leads out the prisoners with singing . . . “(Ps 68:6).

God created the family unit as a place of friendship, caring and love.  It is a unit where people are knit together, much like His Church. 

It is also interesting that Jesus asks us not to be intent on saving our lives as they are. “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” (Mt 16:25)  

Yes, being involved with other people will interfere with having our lives the way we want them.  It will hinder us from coming and going at will.  But Jesus lost His life serving His friends . . . friends He will have for all eternity.  He also adopted His friends into His family.

Jesus was not a lonely person. He demonstrated that family and friends are a greater reward than keeping our lives trouble free.  Today, if you have a tight grip on your life and feel lonely, please consider letting go, and letting people in.  I think you will find this way of living far more rewarding than anything you desire. Amen.