Dorothy Day, the great American and Catholic social activist, once wrote in her autobiography: “We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.” Isaiah’s reading echoes this and offers hope.
No one likes to be excluded. Fear not, God’s house is big enough for all. Pope Francis has praised Dorothy Day for her efforts. In my mind, they are both champions of inclusion. They share a vision of community that constantly extends beyond traditional or comfortable borders.
If we have been stung by loneliness in our life, and who truly hasn’t, we know that Dorothy Day and Pope Francis’ inspired example is true: the only solution is love. And just as they found, so when we dare to form community and welcome whomever or whatever is most challenging, the walls of our heart will always expand.
—Jordan Skarr works with the Jesuits at the Midwest province office in Chicago, assisting with programming for pastoral ministries.