Food for the poor

Author: Sunny George, Idaho Falls, USA

We must have said to ourselves several times: "I am so hungry I could eat an elephant". There may have been many occasions when we ached from a lack of food, times when our stomach was queasy from not eating, instances when we could only think of food. However, all these were nothing more than transient states. Because all we needed to do was go to the kitchen and take out the food or go to a restaurant and fill our stomach.

However, it is distressing that many of our brothers and sisters around the world go to bed hungry on a daily basis. They bury their heads in their pillows wondering if they will find a meal the next day. My question is, are we really bothered about them? Are we doing anything to support their basic needs? It is true that through our charity and love, we have lived Christ's call to feed His sheep. With our time, talent, and treasure, we have shared the gospel message with strangers. However, there is still so much more we can do...

In Isiah chapter 58, Lord described beautifully about observing fast and sharing food: "This, rather, is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own." (Is 58:6-7).

Yesterday, we had a very touching homily by Rev Fr Scott OP at the Christ The King Church, Idaho Falls. He has dedicated his life to feed the poor. In the Republic of Haiti, more than 80% of the people are below the poverty line. It is one of the most ill-developed countries in the Western Hemisphere. We were in tears when we heard that many poor people "bake mud" and eat it to keep away from queasy feelings and achy stomachs.

With $20, these people can buy 90 kg of rice and dal to provide a meal of complete protein for 800 children. With $35 they can buy rice and dal to keep a family of four alive for almost 6 months. When we gift $150 to get a sewing machine and materials for skills-training workshop, we give a family hope for the future! Please visit the site www.foodforthepoor.org.

My dear brothers and sisters, how blessed we are! God has provided us everything - good job, money, social security, and family and friends to love us. We do not have to eat "mud biscuits"! Think about our Haitian brothers and sisters. They do not have anything to eat. Let us share our resources with the poor. Can we be satisfied with our present life style? We might be involved in social work; some of us might be powerful evangelists, thereby showing the face of Jesus to many and preaching God's love to the masses. But when we turn away from the hungry, naked, sick and the oppressed, we turn away from Jesus. "As often as you did it to one of the least of My brothers and sisters, you did it to Me." (Mathew 25:40).

When I was working in Delhi, I would often visit Mother Teresa's home for the mentally challenged brothers and sisters to do voluntary work. I used to have food from their house. One day, a sister asked me why I wasted food. I was surprised because I never thought I wasted food. I am very cautious in eating and generally my plate is very clean after eating. "No, I do not waste food, sister", I replied. "But I have seen your wasting some food, I saw one rice grain adhered to your finger while you were washing your hands. I go to other 19 nearby houses and collect those rice grains and I make a ball out of it, and I feed one of my kids for a meal!", said the sister.

It was the shock of my life and a big lesson. Let's examine ourselves, how much food we waste, how lavish we are when it comes to food? Aside from food, what other things do we waste? What are the ways we squander money and resources? Do we really need that nail polish or that expensive perfume?

Let us give away our tithe to those who are poor; God likes helping the poor very much. There are many in our own vicinity who are in dire need of our help. People who are hesitant to ask, and those who hide their pain and helplessness in their hearts. It would be a great relief if we could help them. We could have already wiped poverty and hunger from our world, had we, Christians, started giving our 10% earning!

"He who has compassion on the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his good deed" (Proverbs 19:17).

"Almsgiving saves one from death and expiates every sin. Those who regularly give alms shall enjoy a full life" (Tobit 12:9).

We could also distribute our tithe for evangelization. It is a great act if we could save one from sin and eternal damage. So, we should encourage helping financially the act of spreading of the gospel. Don't worry, ask God, the Holy Spirit will tell us where to distribute the money.

Let us Pray

Lord Jesus, I realize that you are the sole owner of every wealth. Every day I come across many who do not have anything to eat... Have mercy on them Father! Many a time I turned away from them... Forgive me O Lord! When you bless me with money, teach me how to spend it in a meaningful way; provide me your graces to spend it according to your will. Grant me your wisdom and necessary strength to share my resources with my fellowmen.... Amen

With so much of love,

God Bless,

Sunny George
Idaho Falls/USA

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