One of my spiritual fathers, Henri Nouwen, talks about the importance of consolation. Consolation is a beautiful word. It means “to be”(con-) “with the lonely one” (solus). To offer consolation is one of the most important ways to care. Life is so full of pain, sadness, and loneliness that we often wonder what we can do to alleviate the immense suffering we see. We can and must offer consolation. We can and must console the mother who lost her child, the young person with AIDS, the family whose house burned down, the soldier who was wounded, the teenager who contemplates suicide, the old man who wonders why he should stay alive.
To console does not mean to take away the pain but rather to be there and say, “You are not alone, I am with you. Together we can carry the burden. Don’t be afraid. I am here.” That is consolation. We all need to give it as well as to receive it.
Today I will be on the Mount of Olives, overlooking Jerusalem, remembering the words of Jesus when he lamented over the city saying: “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often I have desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing!” That day, Jesus needed some consoling. But, let us never forget his last words to us: “Lo, I am with you always.” He will always be there to console us in our deepest need.
Blessings,
Cliff