Allow us to live together to a happy old age. // Tobit 8:7
This line from Tobit was a saving grace on my thirty-second birthday. I had recently moved by myself to a new state for a short-term assignment. The physical distance from my family and friends felt painfully far on that birthday. My remote location and limited technology were another isolating factor.
I mentioned my birthday earlier in the week to my housemates, but no one seemed to remember it on that Sunday morning. It was disappointing. I brought this to Jesus in prayer and felt completely known by Him. He knew. He knew everything. Jesus knew my fear of being forgotten. I wanted Him to be enough for me.
I remained in His Eucharistic presence in the Adoration Chapel that morning. The previous year had been excruciating and my tender heart struggled to hope that anything would change. I paged through my worn-out Bible, and noticed the prayer of Tobiah and Sarah, which I highlighted years before: “Call down your mercy on me and on her, and allow us to live together to a happy old age” (Tobit 8:7).
As I read these words again, I experienced a gentle outpouring of mercy from the pierced Heart of Jesus. Christ’s gaze of love soothed my own pierced heart. Jesus was with me and would not abandon me. And on top of that—He desired for me to live together with Him to a happy old age.
I spent that memorable birthday in solitude with Him. I went on an extended hike along a gorgeous river and my heart received a supernatural joy that only comes from union with the Holy Trinity. And in Jesus’ mercy, my housemates did remember my birthday late that night and whipped up a celebratory dessert. Birthday cake is best enjoyed with others!
Sisters, on the darkest nights, when you are feeling isolated and alone, let Jesus be your consolation. He sees you. He knows you. He loves you. Receive His mercy and lean into the hope of an abundant life with Him.
Rose Coleman is an elementary school teacher with a heart for pilgrimage. She traveled the globe on a ship during college and spent some years in the convent as a religious sister. She was a contributing author to All She Had, Blessed Conversations: Rooted, and our children’s devotional prayer book called Rise Up. Find out more about her here.
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