A Letter From Our Pastor: Feeding Our Spiritual Hunger

Dear Parishioners,

Have you ever been hungry — really hungry? When asked that question, most of us probably think of a time when we had pangs of hunger because we were fasting, we were on a diet to lose weight, we had saved up for a big dinner, or we just decided not to indulge in what we wanted. However, there are people right here in our own community who go to bed at night with real hunger. And that hunger is not without real pain.

If we expand that to our diocese, our country, and the world, untold numbers of people go to bed hungry every night. Yet, while Jesus instructed us to “feed the hungry,” He did not want us to stop at satiating simply physical hunger.

All around us, there is spiritual hunger. We all know people who have plenty to fill their stomachs but are not sure exactly what they want in life, living unsatisfied. Some of these people are our siblings, our children, our parents, or even our spouses.

Although so many are spiritually hungry, it may not be as apparent to us as physical hunger, because the spirit is within us and we are weakened more slowly. Life goes on when we are spiritually hungry — but truly addressing that need is just as important for us as a Church as physically feeding the hungry. Spiritual malnourishment can be just as devastating as physical famine.

While we are aware of the reality that we, as a faith community, cannot completely eradicate physical hunger, we must do what we can to feed those around us. Both physically and spiritually, we have opportunities every day to reach out to those in need. Sometimes, it may be as simple as praying for someone. Or it may mean giving of our time, talent or treasure to those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Yet, we always have an opportunity to share the greatest gift with others that alone can satiate the human heart — the love of Christ. There is no time better than today to begin. Will you reach out in love to those in need by sharing the love Christ has poured into you?

Blessed Mother Teresa advised us, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” Let each of us vow to find that one, and feed him or her, whether physically, spiritually, or both.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Steven Arisman, Pastor