Jesus knew that those closest to Him would abandon him after His arrest. Rather than following, the disciples will go their own way, leaving Him alone.

Yet He speaks with the conviction that He is never really alone because God His Father is always with him.

Even as He hung from the cross, God was with Him, supporting Him.

This is a conviction that He wants us to share. There are times when we feel very alone in life. This is especially true of those who have never married or of older people whose spouses have died and whose families are away. Yet, even when lonely, we can say with Jesus “I am not alone.” God the Father is with us as he was with Jesus.

The risen Jesus is also with us, as is the Holy Spirit who has been poured into our hearts. Even when alone, we are always in the presence of God, we are living members of that wonderful family of love.

This awareness can bring us a deep peace, a peace the world cannot give.

As Jesus says in today’s gospel, “in me you will have peace.”