The Question of Hunger

Matthew 15:34-37: The Question of Hunger

Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” “Seven,” they replied, “and a few fish.” He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. 

Many times I contemplate the condition of our world and the serious problem of hunger, especially among our children. We don’t have to go far to witness this. Children go hungry in our own neighborhoods, and it is a truth that I have difficulty reconciling. I often ask myself the following question: If God is a God of love, then why do so many suffer in our world, especially the innocent? It is not an easy question to answer. However, in his commentary on this passage, Frank Doyle offers an eye-opening answer:

There is a crucial element in [Matthew 15:34-37] we cannot overlook. It was not Jesus but his disciples who distributed the food. In our world there is an abundance. Food production outpaces population growth. If there is hunger, malnutrition and other unmet needs, it is because we, God’s stewards, are failing in our task of distribution. If there is hunger and suffering and death, it is not the work of God. It is our failure to work. (Living Space)

Doyle argues what we often ignore: Hunger is not an issue of God’s lack of care; it is, rather, and issue of our own neglect and greed. If I look in my own trash, I see an abundance of discarded food. And it pains me to know that there are those, especially children, who cannot get a satisfying meal. Now, I am not thinking about feeding people out of my trash can, but the discarded food stands as a reminder. Am I being God’s steward, God’s distributor of plenty? The answer is not one I like to hear. But I pray for God’s grace to do a better job with loving my neighbor. Amen. 

Peace, 

Stan

Be Prepared

Matthew 24:42 -- Be Prepared!

Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. 

When I was a kid, I belonged to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). And one of the first things I learned was the group’s motto: “Be Prepared!” As an 11-13 year-old, being prepared meant something totally different than it does as a 47-year-old father of four. Below the surface, however, the basis of that preparation is the same. To be prepared is to think and act ahead, equipping myself for any situation that might happen. But as the BSA taught me, preparation is not just for the self; it is primarily for the good of others. Preparation puts us in a better position to serve others. For if we are serving, we are loving, too. Service involves self-sacrifice, care, time, and generosity, all things for which we must be prepared. Our faith life is no different. If we want to be ready for the coming of Jesus, whether it is the end of times or the end of our own corporeal time, we must be prepared, prepared to give, love, offer ourselves, and empty ourselves. Preparation is no easy task, though. We cannot do it on our own. Thankfully, God is infinitely generous and gives us the necessary grace to persevere and prepare. 

So I ask myself: Am I prepared? Does my life reflect self-sacrifice, care, time, and generosity? I always need work in this area, so I pray for God’s grace to strengthen me. Amen. 

Peace, 

Stan