Never Alone or Abandoned

Luke is the only one with me. //  2 Timothy 4:11a

As we approached the façade of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, it was impossible to ignore the towering statue of the Apostle to the Gentiles appearing ready to wield his uplifted sword at any moment. Its force drew our little group to the center of the courtyard where we looked up at the marble eyes. Standing at a certain angle it feels as though the eyes of his downward gaze pierces the heart. In the midst of the large courtyard he stands alone, or so it seems.

Taking a step back, there is a pillar marking each of the four corners. Looking at three of those pillars you would still perceive that Paul is standing alone. But look closely to the back right corner and we see another statue. In this space Saint Paul does not stand alone, and he can truly say, “Luke alone is with me” (2 Timothy 4:11a).

Often in our lives it can seem as though we have been abandoned by those closest to us, those upon whom we’ve depended for strength, support, affirmation, or consolation.  It can be tempting in those moments to enumerate the ways in which others have wronged, abandoned, or betrayed us. Sometimes we are blinded to the end we have before us and want to blame our seeming failures on others.

Sister, take heart when you feel abandoned, when it feels like those in whom you placed your earthly trust have turned their back on you. Take that betrayed trust and place it in the One who remains faithful. Call upon the intercession of Saint Luke—whose feast is today—and Saint Paul, and pray that those wrongs may “not be held against them!” Experience the reality of the Lord who will stand by you in your time of trial and give you strength (see 2 Timothy 4:17).

And, just when you think you’re standing alone, sword raised, ready to fight the world, take a look behind you; you never know when the Lord will send another to be the only one with you!