‘I am not able to carry all these people alone, for they are too heavy for me’
(Nb 11:14)

The world is struggling with ecological and moral dilemmas never known before. A sense of overwhelming responsibility to guide all nations to peaceful and fruitful living may rest deep in the hearts of conscientious world leaders. As they struggle to come up with responsible solutions to seemingly impossible situations, their personal sense of isolation and loneliness can be great. We are called to echo the prayer of Timothy as he prays:

I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving should be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
(1 Tm 2:1-5)

Excerpted from I Am With You Always: Living With Loneliness
by Siobhán O’Keeffe SHJM
(p. 44)