By Father Christopher Kubat, Catholic Social Services
Isn’t it true that at the root of all loneliness is the built in inherent desire for the living God?
Not too many years ago, an elderly blind woman with fragile health called, asking for food. The person who visited her noticed she really did not need food, but was in fact lonely and was reaching out for companionship and love.
During the visit it was noticed that her place was a mess and within a short time, with the help of a team of volunteers, her home was cleaned and spotless.
Since we were interested in her eternal salvation and knew that her loneliness could only be medicated with God, we asked her if she wanted to learn more about God. Within one year, she was received into the Catholic Church. One particular volunteer stayed involved in her life until the day she died.
I am happy to announce that this has happened once again. An elderly woman with fragile health, while in the hospital expressed interest in being baptized.
While visiting her, it was noticed that she was very lonely, in addition to wanting to know more about Jesus Christ and His Church. However, because of her health, a standard eight-month RCIA course was unrealistic.
After being instructed, albeit in an abbreviated manner, she was baptized, confirmed and received her first Holy Communion. Her soul is now filled with the very life of God, otherwise known as sanctifying grace, the only true, real and lasting cure for loneliness.
Did not St. Augustine say, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in thee, Oh Lord?” as recorded in The Confessions of St. Augustine, which is still in print after so many centuries?
I pray that during this season of Lent, you will take some extra time to adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in your parish and perhaps visit someone you know who may be lonely.
St. Augustine, pray for us!
