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Our precious and sometimes costly time together is going to allow a more defining focus for loneliness this year.  Once again, welcome, welcome with open arms to all of those who are seeking the Presence of the Lord, but to those who have suffered a little loneliness, or a dark, crushing, debilitating loneliness in the last seasons of life, welcome with this assurance: loneliness can gain for you what even the greatest security of human love cannot.  (Matthew 6:6, 1 Timothy 5:6, Psalm 34:6))

We have heard these words before in Cor Unum, “Passio Christi, conforta me!”  These are the first syllables uttered by novices in traditional Carmelite houses, and perhaps other houses of religion as well.  As they cross the threshold of the monastery, these trembling women are warmly greeted by Sister nuns who hear their first prayer, “Passion of Christ, comfort me!”

It may be true for some of us that loneliness will keep us regular company.  All of us can choose a little less social life when necessary, a little less shopping, less keeping up with the most recent movies, the news, all the books we love best in order to spend a bit more time in prayer and worship, a bit more of life being made willing to feel and think and hear and resolve.  This year, Cor Unum is extending its heart to those whose hearts are left alone in this world, whose souls will never again hear words of love from a spouse or parent or child, or see the face held most dear.  Millions and millions of women will not feel tonight the touch of a hand that once reached out in the dark to intertwine fingers; not even a “Good night” will be heard, ever again.

Millions and millions of women live in the knowledge that the love that transported their lives is gone and will never return.  Should that be you, enter.  Come in and live with us a life of learning the touch of God upon your heart, the Voice that always says, “Fear not, I will help you.”  (Isaiah 41:10)  We must, we absolutely must, learn to hear and feel the love of God.  If we do not, we will spend the rest of our lives trying to get from others what He alone can give.  Some might remarry, but for all, human love will never suffice.  Married, we must live in the love of God that we may love another.  Widowed, single, alone, we must live in the love of God that we will never need another.

“Passio Christi, conforta me!”  Oh, those Sisters know what they are about!  They know how comfortless is the cloistered life until the God of All Comfort prevails over loneliness, deprivation, sacrifice, and loss.  Married or single, widowed or divorced, there is a comfort that comes from God, that He brings with Him, that will not be denied us.

Glorious day!  From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, the Name of the Lord is to be praised!  What will it be like to fall asleep, never again alone, never forsaken, never forgotten, joy for a pillow and hope a canopy over us.  We will all find out, and the blessing of peace will not pass us by.  We will sleep with the One who keeps our heartbeat in the night

Isaiah 41:10 … So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  (NIV)

Matthew 6:6 … But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (NIV)

Psalm 34:6 … In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. (NIV)

1 Timothy 5:6 … The real widow, left all alone, has put her hope in God … (HCSB)

Family photo, Cor Unum Abbey