Remaining Faithful from Rev. Mary White
Good Afternoon and Blessings
When is it going to end? Just when we think we have moved closer to gathering in communion, a third-or is it now fourth wave?- of pandemic comes upon us. We continue to be restricted. But we recognize even with being vaccinated, the importance of remaining in a place of mask wearing and social distancing to keep other’s safe. Loneliness seems to be very much a part of the pandemic fallout. Especially for those who are extroverts and are spiritually energized by being in social situations. This is an opportunity for us to be aware that we are not alone because we have a Higher Power that never leaves us.
Keep safe, Keep connected.
Blessings and the strength of Love be with you.
Rev. Mary
Reading
Excerpt from “The Only Necessary Thing” by Henri Nouwen
Converting loneliness into solitude and discussing solitude and the need for it, three words are important: aloneness, loneliness, and solitude. You and I, and all people, are alone. Aloneness is a natural fact. No one else in the world is like me I am unique. No one else feels and experiences the world the way I do, I am alone. Now how do I deal with my aloneness? Many people deal with it through loneliness. That means you experience your aloneness as a wound, as something that hurt you, makes you miserable. It makes you cry out, “Is there anyone who can help me?” Loneliness is one of the greatest sources of suffering today. It is the disease of our time.
But as Christians, we are called to convert our loneliness into solitude. We are called to experience our aloneness not as a wound but as a gift -as God’s gift- so that in our aloneness we might discover how deeply we are loved by God.
Prayer
Holy of Holies
Speak gently in my silence.
When the loud outer noises of my surrounding
and the loud inner noises of my fears
keep pulling me away from you,
help me to trust that you are still there
even when I am unable to hear you.
Give me ears to listen to your small, soft voice saying:
“Come to me, you who are overburdened,
and I will give you rest....
for I am gentle and humble of heart.”
Let that loving voice be my guide.
Amen