THE COMFORT OF COMPANIONSHIP

One evening, about two weeks into the Lenten season, as Jim lit the candles and incense for our spiritual practice of reading, I quietly sighed as I picked up my Bible… my practice of reading the book of John had not yet resulted in any discernable “fruit” in my soul. In fact, as the news increasingly becomes more alarming and maddening, my frustration, grief, and despair have increased as well. I described this feeling to Jim: “My soul is desperate to draw closer to God, but I haven’t been able to find a way to get there.”

But I diligently opened to the next chapter on my list and began to read John 14…

“Let not your hearts be troubled.”

My eyes suddenly–surprisingly–filled with tears. I truly felt as if Christ was with me, speaking these words, and I was overwhelmed by an incredible sense of comfort.

I continued reading. Jesus then assures his disciples that he is going to prepare a place for them (and us), and his promise, “I will not leave you orphaned… you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you,” helped to calm and settle my spirit.

What is especially amazing is that Jesus spoke these words as he was about to face the most terrible torture and death imaginable. He cared enough about the disciples–and he trusted enough in God–to speak these comforting and reassuring words even then. In the midst of our current struggles and fears, we can turn to this chapter and weep, because someone who understands what we are feeling (and has endured much worse) is still promising peace. I no longer need to “find a way to get there” but instead, cling to the One who is already with us and within us. 

We are never alone.

Life will be hard. But we have an ever-present, comforting companion for our journey. Jesus has gone before us, and he is with us now. And he is with us in our earthly companions who help us on this journey, too.

In these difficult days, when we struggle to find hope or joy or peace, perhaps comfort will do. Perhaps the comfort we receive from Christ and our companions is enough for now, enough to sustain us as we work toward that hope and joy and peace, as we strive for justice and equity, as we care for the earth and for one another. Let’s keep watching for ways to companion one another through these days. Let’s keep offering words of comfort and understanding, keep reaching out with kindness and support, and keep serving like Jesus–caring enough for one another and trusting enough in God–as we keep living these days in love.

(photo by Karen)


A song that is bringing me much comfort recently is “By Gentle Powers” written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer and performed by Siegfried Fietz on the album, “The Taste of Liberty.” I hope you will look it up and be comforted, too.

By gentle powers lovingly surrounded
With patience we′ll endure, let come what may
God is with us at night and in the morning
And certainly on every future day

My heart is grateful for all those who are my source of comforting companionship: my dear family and friends, my fellow writers and contemplatives, my community, my kindred spirits who will join me on March 28th… and always you, dear readers.