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Let Him Grasp Your Hand

Written by

Monsignor Dennis Clark, Ph.D.

in

Is 41:13-20 / Mt 11:11-15

Life’s journey can get lonely at times, and sometimes we can feel exceedingly alone in the midst of a crowd of people whom we’ve known for years.  Even children with loving parents can experience this, and so can husbands and wives who are devoted to each other.  At times this sense of isolation and solitariness is brought on by trouble somewhere in our lives, some heavy secret or private burden which we believe cannot be shared but must be faced alone.  Sometimes it’s just our weariness that makes us withdraw and sit alone.

But at times, the decision is not our own.  Our friends have left us and we have been deserted and left to face life with no support, no encouragement, and no comfort.  That can be especially bitter, particularly when we know we’ve done nothing to deserve so painful a rejection.

Walking alone, especially for any length of time, can plunge us into a dark valley from which escape can seem impossible.  At that juncture, we need to listen closely to God’s words to us as He speaks through the prophet Isaiah: “I am the Lord, your God, Who grasps your right hand; it is I Who say to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’”

Whatever your trouble, whatever the challenge you face, let the Lord grasp your right hand, and don’t be afraid, for your are alone no more.  You never were!

Comments

  1. Guest Avatar
    Guest

    I  have walked through some dark valleys in my time, lonely and pessimistic for some time. I found, much to my astonishment, that the keys to relieving me of my burdens and unlocking my fetters were in front of me all along — sacred scripture and the sacrament of confession. They brought Jesus and the overabundance of God's grace into my life once again.

    Thank you, Lord!

    …and thank you, Monsignor, for the reflection.

  2. Guest Avatar
    Guest

    I once poured this experience into a poem on a Thanksgiving Eve night. I was 4 months pregnant, had a back injury from a minor car accident, and felt very lonely. This is about my then 21 month old–sent by God– to console me.

     

    In a house filled with loved ones,

    Loneliness leached into my heart and mind.

    Like water seeping through moss,

    It soaked my soul, sinking me.

    My heart, heavy with grief, ached

    Liked a swollen river exceeding its banks.

    My only solace, the silk of my baby's breath

    against my cheek.

    Her laughter lifts my spirits.

    A sunny meadow, I bloom

    Under her tender touch.

    She creates a mother

    whose heart throbs lightly with joy!

     

    I carried this poem, written on a scrap of cardboard in 5 quick minutes, in my wallet for years…It always consoled me.

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