Most of us don't like being alone for extended periods of time. But sometimes, situations in life leave us isolated from others. Or perhaps we simply feel lonely, even when we are not. Whatever your situation, if you are a believer, you are never alone.

Jesus, knowing His disciples would feel abandoned and alone after His crucifixion and ascension, promised to send an Advocate, the Spirit of Truth who would never leave them. The same advocate who came to them on Pentecost still abides with every believer today. He was sent to walk with us as our Comforter and constant companion.

Friends, unlike any human companion, the Holy Spirit is adequate to meet our every need. Since He knows us intimately, He can comfort us in pain and loss when nothing or no one else can. When we find ourselves perplexed, He knows exactly what we should do.

Our companion has also promised to guide us every step of the way, calming our fears and helping us overcome our inadequacies. He is the believer's answer to aloneness: He's always available and will never leave or forsake us.

When others let us down, the Comforter, our constant companion, is always present to lift us up with a quick reminder that we are never alone — our God is always with us.

Onward and Upward+ Fr. Greg