Loneliness Personified: When We Forget Other People are Alive

Daily Devotional – Friday, February 11, 2022

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others

Philippians 2:4 (NKJV)

The story of Marinella Beretta’s death illustrates all that is wrong with contemporary human society. How can a seventy year-old woman be dead for more than two years without anyone noticing?

The elderly woman died while sitting at a table in her house. The police officers who found her were making house calls in Prestino, Italy, fearing that strong winds in that area were likely to uproot trees in her garden.

Loneliness Personified

Apparently, many other tragic stories are likely to come from in Italy considering over two-fifths of people aged 75 years and above live alone and have no friends or relatives to turn to in case of need.

A popular Italian newspaper called the late Beretta ‘loneliness personified’. How lowly has humanity sank that an elderly person can die and the death remain undiscovered for that long?

Look Out For the Interests of Others

How can one be born and live for more than seven decades and yet have no relatives or friends? Is it possible to live in a neighborhood, buy from local shops, access government services and yet die a lonely death?

As we contemplate the shame that is Beretta’s abandonment and death, we should contemplate Paul counsel to the church in Phillip. “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4).

They Did Not She Was Alive

Are there Christians in the late Beretta’s village who believe in and practice the word of God? Could we be guilty of the same sin in our neighborhoods? How many people lack food, clothes, love and appreciation in our midst? What are we doing for the sick, incapacitated and lonely?  

According to the Messaggero Daily, “The real sadness is not that the others did not notice her death. It is that they did not realize Marinella Beretta was alive.” Are we aware we have needy relatives, neighbors, friends and strangers? What are we doing to help?

Lord Jesus, lead me to a person who needs my support, presence and encouragement – a soul that can experience Your love through me.