You are not alone

In the garden of Gethsemane, our divine Redeemer sweat great drops of blood in His agony. The stress of the hour was so intense He told Peter, James, and John, "My soul is sorrowful even unto death: stay you here, and watch with me" (St. Matthew 26:38)

If our Lord suffered thus, is it any wonder that we likewise pass through seasons of great agony as we face our own betrayals, condemnations, and crosses? If our Lord desired the company of His friends in this hour of such intense agony, do we not also need ours to be near?

Yet many suffer alone, convinced by Satan that no one cares, that no help is available. Some despair and are even tempted to commit suicide. The holy Gospels also record that in response to His agonizing prayer, "there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him" (St. Luke 22:43).

We too, have a guardian angel who always beholds the face of God (St. Matthew 18:10). Yet how often we neglect so great a help, a messenger to carry our every need directly to the Altar on High!

Are you in great distress tonight? In the throes of agony? Is the stress of life affecting your health and your relationships? You are not alone; for God has promised not to leave us nor forsake us. You are not alone; your guardian angel is closer to you than your own breath, ready to fly to heaven to obtain the graces you need to endure. You are not alone; there are people who care for you whom you have never even met! Reach out and ask for help from your friends, loved ones, a pastor, or even a help line. If in His sacred humanity even our Lord felt these things, it should not surprise us that in our fallen humanity, we do too. Originally posted 1 February 2018