I think that I can point to a number of elements in the Gospel story of the passion and death of Jesus that suggest that feeling of loneliness.
![A Vincentian View: A Night that Begins in Loneliness](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2015/11/fr.-griffin-reflections.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Author
I think that I can point to a number of elements in the Gospel story of the passion and death of Jesus that suggest that feeling of loneliness.
Did you have a chance to see Pope Francis’ “Urbi et Orbi” blessing on March 27? Faith and prayer held the center in this simple yet dramatic event.
I make no secret of the fact that if I could teach only one book of the Bible, I would choose the Psalms.
Work without the opportunity to find its purpose and its contribution to creation in the service of others is work that can dehumanize.
I have often given talks on the importance of silence and on the need to listen. I know the value of these attitudes in prayer and in fruitful conversation. From the silence can emerge new ideas and insights.
Personally and institutionally we must enlarge our doors to allow the King of Glory and his entire entourage entrance and application.
The challenge and encouragement was for all of us to value and read our Bibles more vigorously—even as we prepared to listen to its word as a Church.
The beginning of a new decade seems to offer wider possibility and a new hope to me. For whatever reason, the number 2020 seems positive!
I amused myself with the thought that the “Christmas cards” of Mary and Joseph might look like the traditional religious cards that we sometimes use.
Sometimes you see something that captures your imagination and dominates your thinking for a while. That happened to me recently.