Loneliness is a terrible thing to experience.    Isn't it ironic that with well over six billion people on the face of this planet, with all kinds of connecting technology....yet, so many are lonely.    When the resurrected Jesus ascended to heaven he told us that he would not leave us alone.    He promised us his presence through the Holy Spirit.   Now, instead of the earthly Jesus being with some people some of the time, through his Holy Spirit, he is with all his people all of the time!  

Sunday, May 31st is Pentecost Sunday.   It is the day Christians celebrate the outpouring of God's Holy Spirit upon all who follow Jesus Christ.   It is also the day we traditionally observe the birthday of the church.   Among the many wonderful things that Pentecost says and gives, it assures us that we are not alone.     God has given us his constant presence through the Holy Spirit and through the church - the Body of Christ.    May we , as part of the church, reach out to the least, the lost and the lonely in Jesus' name in everything that we say and do - serving a meal at the homeless shelter, visiting those in hospitals and prisons, inviting someone to a small group meeting and fellowship, practicing Christ-like hospitality with all whom we meet.   

Would you possibly share a personal story of loneliness and how it may have been overcome through another's outreach?   Your reflection could well encourage another person struggling through a lonely time.