We are Never Alone

by Christopher Swope on the Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, SJ

Have you ever felt lonely in a room full of people, in a class, or on a bus? How about while sitting next to your best friend? I know I have. Loneliness is strange like that. It can affect us even in the most unlikely of circumstances. In these moments, our loneliness takes over and tries its best to convince us that we are alone, but this simply is not true. Loneliness and being alone are two completely different things and this is a difference we celebrate every Christmas. Christ came to earth to be one among us and as a result of His love we are never alone.

Let us take this Advent season to prepare ourselves for Jesus. Let's work on being open to inviting Him into these moments where we feel so alone and allowing His presence guide us and lead us out of them. We were not promised a world without loneliness; we were promised a world in which we are never alone, and this is the world we celebrate this Advent season.

            

It is this message of hope that I find in the song Magnum Mysterium. While more of a Christmas song, its lyrics proclaim the great mystery, which brings hope to all.

Questions for Reflection:

Are there situations in your own life where you could further invite Christ in?

What in your life reminds you of the amazing hope that Advent promises us? Is there a person? A song? A picture? How might you use this reminder to remain focused on Christ's love this season?

-Christopher Swope is a Junior majoring in Neuroscience.