Finding Spiritual Connection in Social Isolation

On March 27, 2020, Pope Francis delivered an unexpected address, amid extraordinary circumstances. A papal Urbi et Orbi address (“to the city and to the world”) is normally given on only three occasions: after a papal election, on Christmas, and at Easter. In response to a global pandemic that was gathering terrifying momentum, Pope Francis delivered a singular exception. His Holiness asked us to see the current chaos not as God’s punishment but as our opportunity to choose what matters, to separate what’s necessary from what isn’t, and to get our lives back on track with God and each other.

When tragic events cut us off from society, it is not social isolation that cuts us off from others. Rather, it is the failure to believe in our spiritual connectedness that does. “Much of Saint John of the Cross’ most soaring poetry was written during his time of harsh imprisonment and isolation,” writes Jim Auer.

Tragic events force us to find new ways to function, new ways to engage, and new ways to participate. Auer suggests new ways of finding spiritual connectedness even and especially during social isolation.