This Holiday Season Take Time to Give Comfort to the Lonely

"Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God."
Book of Isaiah, Chapter 40:1

December is here and with it the Christmas whirlwind of shopping, celebrating and family gatherings. Yet, despite the festivities-- or maybe because of them-- Christmas is a lonely season for many people. Some of the lonely are lost sheep: People who have been marginalized in one way or another. They may be the infamous “black” sheep of the family; the problem child; the misunderstood. Or they may be a step child who never felt fully accepted and loved. Or they may just be different in some way that they could never explain to anyone, and so they chose to withdraw into their own little world, where no one else was welcomed.

As adults, they have continued to be loners; a choice that often catches up with them during the holidays. It’s a time to be thankful and happy, and yet they have no one who can share memories of the passing year with them. So they face great loneliness and sadness.

If you are one of these lost sheep, I suggest that you try embracing the loneliness or sadness you feel. Ask it to share its wisdom with you. It has something to teach you about yourself. Embracing the loneliness can reveal important things about the choices we make. Sometimes we’re lonely because every time someone asks us to do something, we make excuses, instead of saying “yes.” In doing so, we have unwittingly secured our place among the lonely. Maybe we need to start saying “yes,” even if it means being vulnerable or leads to disappointment. It’s worth the risk. So learn to be open to everyone and everything— with a discerning heart.

If you know of a lost sheep-- maybe a family member or a seldom seen friend-- try reaching out to them over the coming days. Be open and accepting, compassionate and understanding. Refrain from judging them or their behavior. You don’t have to agree with them, or even like all of the things they may say or do. Love calls us to rise above our differences. We also need to remember that behavior is often a mask. It masks the brokenness, fears and wounds of people who haven’t been able to cope well with the coldness of life. Look beyond words and behavior, into the hearts and souls of the lost loved one. Love them as they are; in the very same way that you wish to be loved.

Give comfort to them just as God gives comfort to you, and allow your soul to shine!

Comments

  1. E.S. KraayDecember 7, 2010 at 3:52 PM

    Father Charlie, I'm so glad you are posting your daily homilies on your blog, and I hope you encourage your fellows up there to do the same. You four horseman offer so much during the week that is of value to more than the folks that routinely attend daily Mass. This piece was particularly significant to me, and I will act accordingly in a positive -- and I hope -- Christ-like way. I'm blessed to have heard it live and not Memorex! It's been with me throughout the day.

    ReplyDelete

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