The spiritual climate of the world leaves a lot of honest and genuine people lost in loneliness, alienation, and separation from the group they belong to. Separation is the price any noble calling involves, be it a president of a nation or a great leader of any religious organisation. Christian life is a noble vocation that definitely involves pain and persecution, as Jesus has foretold, “The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you” (Jn 15:19). GOD’s elect for special purposes always underwent separation. “The Lord said to Abram: Leave your country, your family, and your relatives and go to the land that I will show you” (Gen 12:1). When He stood for the right cause, Moses had to flee from the palace of Egypt and remain in the wilderness for 40 years, “Moses fled and went to live in the land of Midian” (Ex 2:15). I believe the time of forced fleeing and separation might raise fear, doubt and question about the very purpose and presence of Divine Providence. Withstanding these trials would promote us to the Final Separation that comes with the great reward of Eternal Life, “Thus will it be in the consummation of the age: The angels will go out and will separate the evil from the midst of the righteous” (Mt 13:49). Let’s never grow tired of being alone, due to this purposeful separation, for the One who separates will never abandon us, as Paul himself affirms and encourages, “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will continue to be faithful” (1 Thes 5:24). Believe this mystery and enjoy divine company.

Abba, Thank you for the purposeful separation and unfailing providence. Let your Spirit accompany us in this journey, in Jesus’ name, Amen.