Hunger Pains
Scripture: Psalm 22:23-31
Focus Verse: The poor shall eat and be satisfied… (Psalm 22:26a)
My airplane window revealed the poverty that many live in as miles of shacks spread into the distance. Leaving the airport, my minibus window revealed a clearer view of the cardboard, scrap metal and lumber, and tarps strategically placed to form a home. Later, my minibus window showcased the opulence of waterfront mansions.The juxtaposition of resources overwhelmed me.
I returned to Cape Town, South Africa six years later as a ministerial intern. The stark contrast between poor and rich remained ever apparent. One particular Sunday it slapped me in the face. Preaching from Mark 6:30-56, “The Feeding of the 5000,” I proclaimed:
“…like the disciples we are called to recognize that the gifts we have – our time, talent, and treasure – belong to God. The loaves and fish we have are gifts from the Creator – blessings we have to share with the hungry crowd. And in giving our gifts of loaves and fishes, we are not left hungry. The crowd is not left hungry. Everyone eats and is filled” (26 July 2009).
After the service, a young man approached the altar for prayer. He shared his prayer request as we both kneeled, face-to-face, holding hands, separated only by a wooden rail; he said,“I have no job and no food. Please pray that God will provide me with work and food.” Time stopped. I prayed with the man, overcome by the irony of the situation. What, Bread of Life, am I to do?
Neither the disparity between poor and rich, nor the abundance and lack of food is limited to Cape Town. It thrives in the very communities we inhabit. As you break bread today pause to consider how you can ensure that everyone eats and is satisfied. What, Bread of Life, are we to do?
Prayer: Bread of Life, you feed us spiritually and physically. Where there is abundance, open our hearts to share your gifts. Where there is scarcity, enable us to ask for help. Bless all who work to end hunger globally and locally. Amen.
International Women's Day targets hunger and poverty. Given the realities of poverty and hunger in the world, what, Bread of Life, are we to do? http://www.thenewage.co.za/45571-1007-53-International_Womens_Day_targets_hunger_and_poverty
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