Tuesday, August 30, 2022

The Lonely Place of Solitude

Meditation for Wednesday of the 22nd Week in Ordinary Time
(1 Cor 3:1-9; Lk 4:38-44)

In our meditation today, we trace Jesus’ missionary journey as He entered Simon’s mother-in-law’s house. He cured her of fever, and attended to the crowd that brought so many sick people to Him. Imagine Jesus attending to people all through the night till early morning. “So, when it was dawn, He departed and went to a lonely place.”

 

Silence speaks! And we can even hear its sound more clearly as Jesus steps up to the place of solitude. The ‘lonely place’ is opposed to the ‘noise’ and stress of daily life. So, it becomes a place of ‘rejuvenation’, where one regains strength and is refreshed. It is a place where one is alone to himself and to his environment. Thus, the lonely place of solitude is not a place of loneliness because the man in such a place is actively engaged by being attentive to himself, his environment and above all, to God. But within the cloud of silence that overshadows the place, the man of solitude surrenders to the divine presence. Being overly aware of and attentive to the divine presence becomes the distinguishing factor that makes the place solitude have such a great impact on the person.

 

Most importantly, for one to step into the place of solitude in imitation of Jesus and out of love for Him, raises the meaning of the ‘lonely place’ from a point of location to a moment of encounter with the divine presence. That means we can enter this moment of solitude being conscious of the divine presence and attentive to it. And such moments of silence can be set aside from our busy schedules, even without changing location!

 

Such moments of silence—the lonely place of solitude—are awesome! One can gradually develop it into a routine, and later form it as a habit. This regular practice will definitely help one to grow spiritually and to conquer vices. But one who desires to enjoy the lonely place of solitude must make sure he is not ruled by the desires of the flesh. St Paul says in the first reading that we should not be immature by living in the flesh, full of jealousy and pride. Instead, we should be matured spiritual men, knowing that it is God who gives growth, and we surrender to Him. And this is easily achieved when we walk in the footsteps of Jesus into the lonely place of divine encounter. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.

Wednesday August 31st, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com

   


1 comment:

  1. Humility is noble and rewarding. It contradicts worldly standards.

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