Lessons from Loneliness: Reflecting on the Coronavirus Era

Lessons from Loneliness: Reflecting on the Coronavirus Era

The coronavirus pandemic taught us valuable lessons about being alone that we ought to remember. We discovered there are two ways to be alone: lonesome and lonely.

Lonesome vs. Lonely:

Lonesome is when we miss someone we can name and love. We know how to address this by reaching out to those we care about. On the other hand, loneliness is more challenging—it's the feeling of missing someone but not knowing who.

Understanding Loneliness:

Loneliness is like a candle burning in an empty room, casting light only for itself. This metaphor captures the essence of loneliness: feeling isolated and self-contained. While there are times we need to focus on ourselves, especially when dealing with selfishness, judgment, sloth, or greed, we must remember the importance of others in our lives.

Transforming Loneliness:

When we feel like a candle in an empty room, our loneliness can be seen as a gift from God, reminding us that we are here for each other. The cure is to turn to others in love. Call a sick friend and listen to their struggles, send a note to a distant relative, prepare lunch for the household, or simply load the dishwasher. These small acts of kindness can cure loneliness and remind us of our interconnectedness.

Embracing Humility:

Performing these little acts can feel humbling, and that's a good thing. While we engage in these humble tasks, God is guiding the spread of the Kingdom of Heaven and preparing us for the End Time. Loneliness tells us to be a light for our world; humility assures us that God will use our little light. Isn’t that wonderful?

Fr. Joe Tetlow, S.J.