A Reflection From Henri Nouwen

Consolation is a beautiful word.

It means 'to be' (con-)
'with the lonely one' (solus).

To offer consolation
is one of the most important ways to care.

Life is so full of pain, sadness, and loneliness
that we often wonder what we can do
to alleviate the immense suffering we see.

We can and must offer consolation.

We can and must console
the mother who lost her child,
the young person with AIDS,
the family whose house burned down,
the soldier who was wounded,
the teenager who contemplates suicide,
the old man who wonders why he should stay alive.

To console
does not mean to take away the pain
but rather
to be there
and say, 'You are not alone, I am with you.
Together we can carry the burden.
Don't be afraid.
I am here.'

That is consolation.

We all need to give it
as well as to receive it.