Suddenly I felt lonely: my two companion in the community are out for some weeks.  One, had his vacation and another has to go to Rome for the Pentecost Sunday meeting. I have never been lonely or alone in our community for two years.

Do I need a visit from someone?  Or someone is already visiting me?  Although the former is my human desire, the latter is a reality which I believe is happening through faith.  In loneliness, we are sensitive to the presence of "others".  In silence, we are immersed in the presence which we fail to recognize in order to be immersed in it.  Hectic schedules and frenetic activities prevent us from entering into this presence.  In loneliness in fact, Jesus, the lonely one on the cross visits me.

I am not alone, and never are we alone for Loneliness itself was conquered by Him who experienced the essence of loneliness, when He cried out "My God. . . why have you forsaken me."  Who could fathom this experience of a God-man who was always one with the Father, completely one - that to be derived of it means to experience the complete loneliness - for what reason? - to visit all those who are lonely and tells him/her: "Me too was lonely, I know how it is to be alone, that is why 'I am here with you, visiting you!'"

Suddenly, I feel I am with Someone. I realized it needs loneliness to discover Him.  Sometimes, we need this visitation: for loneliness, if seen in another angle, opens up to communion.  One needs to be alone with God, alone on the cross to savor the joy of His presence.

Oh what Feast of the visitation of Mary, who was visited first of all my God through Gabriel and who  then visits others.  Me too, needs a visitation from the one who conquered the loneliness of this world.  Me too needs to see the other bright side of loneliness. 

I thank Mary for this Feast!