Never Alone

NEVER ALONE
This homily was presented at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Albany, NY on March 10, 2026, the Sixth Sunday of Easter - Year A. It is Mothers' Day and at the end of every liturgy all the women in the assembly stood for a blessing.
Also, we celebrated six baptisms and four confirmations. All good news.

Now the homily ...
    Recently, I was at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the stunning work of the 15th century artist and architect Raphael. Suddenly, in the gallery where I was, a little boy was running around frantically looking for his parents. He was in a panic, lost in a crowd of towering adults, afraid of being alone. His parents soon found him.
    Studies show that about 12.5% of us, young and old,  alike experience a specific fear at one time or another in our lives. It could be long term or just an occasional moment. The best known obsessions are fears of heights, unfamiliar places, strangers, tunnels, and yes, even spiders.
    Another source of anxiety, less talked about, is auto-phobia, the fear of being alone. That little boy in the Museum experienced that anxiety even for a few moments.
    In today’s gospel (Jn 14:15-21) Jesus tells his followers he will not leave them alone. According to the text he said “I will not leave you orphans.” In Latin orphan means “without parents. In Greek it means “bereft.”    
    So, how do we understand what Jesus said? This gospel follows the passage about the last meal Jesus had with his disciples. As he looked around he wondered if he could count on them to continue his mission. Some of them were afraid of being left alone by him, bereft without his leadership, his teachings, his love. 
    Jesus reassured them that if they do not forget what he taught them — practice
loving kindness to all — they would not be abandoned. They would not have to fear
being alone and they would be even more invigorated by the gifts of a holy Spirit.
    During that meal when Jesus said “do this in memory of me,” he was not only referring to sharing a supper of bread and wine. Those elements already had a meaning for Jews. Jesus identified with the bread of suffering and the cup of redemption and called them his body and blood. We have come to learn that the Christian liturgy was the response to his request. But there is more.
    Jesus was Jewish and would not have any idea of what a Christian liturgy might be. So when Jesus said “do this” he was asking them to remember, to do, what he did — feed the hungry, be friends with strangers, heal people from their sickness, speak only the truth, condemn corruption. But this would not be an easy task for those disciples. 
    In the Raphael exhibit I was admiring, among his many incredible works, his sketch of Peter and John, who, just coincidentally, are mentioned in today’s first scripture reading.(Acts 8:5-8,14-17). 
    Although the passage reveals that Peter and John were indeed praying for people to receive the holy Spirit, Raphael offered a different picture. He depicted the two disciples as being somewhat afraid of or lacking confidence in their callings.
    John is shown striking at his chest thinking he is failing in his mission. Raphael shows Peter pushing away with his hands as if to say I cannot do what you want me to do. The commentary suggests that Peter and John admitted the teachings of Jesus were just too much for them to handle alone.
    Although it is popular in some spiritualities to make Jesus a close friend there is more to the bond. Our relationship with Jesus and his teachings is not a solitary, one-on-one, privilege. 
    Our calling is to be in communion with others — friends, family, strangers, the world we live in. Practicing our religion in the manner that Jesus taught us is urgent. Like Peter and John could Jesus’s commands be too much for anyone of us to handle … alone.
    Sources tell us that things are not right in this country and around the world. Many people are struggling to survive with dignity. It is not just about the price of gas it is about putting food on the table. 
    It is as if society in general, and some key decision makers, are ignoring the fundamental moral principles we learned as young Christians. When there is no support from government agencies locally and nationally people will have the feeling of being abandoned and left all alone.
    Pope Leo and many of our bishops, like our own Mark O’Connell, are doing their best to keep us on track. They remind us that there are rights and wrongs. And, like Peter and John who had their doubts, we too are sustained by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We are obliged to go into the public square with renewed energy to advocate a time and place of hope, peace and justice where no one is lost or left alone.
    Jesus wondered who would continue his work. We ask the same question. Mindful that other faith traditions are doing good work, who will step up to model the Christian creed? We have heard that more people than ever, especially younger generations, joined the Catholic Church this past Easter. Why the new interest?
    Some sources say people are seeking a religion with a strong foundation amidst unstable circumstances. Others want to avoid the fear of being abandoned in society. Further, the search for solitude and purpose is a new yearning for many. And of course one cannot overlook the mysterious grace of God calling us to do something for others.
    In the Catholic Church globally, in this country, in this diocese and in this parish people of all ages have come forward to belong to a faith community. This weekend we continue to witness the faith of these believers and we welcome them into our church.
    Along with them we are entrusted with the responsibilities and traditions of our church. In the long history of Christianity let us be alert to the never ending workings of the Holy Spirit in each of us. As long as we remember the clear teachings of Jesus that focus on love, kindness, and compassion we should never be afraid of being left alone.

Sources:
https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/raphael-sublime-poetry
https://sermonwriter.com/biblical-commentary
https://liturgy.slu.edu
https://www.hprweb.com/2026/04/homilies-for-may-2026/