“Love thy neighbor as thyself” a command of wealth for
the health of our souls.
Are we starting the day with a good morning to loved ones and to other people we meet on the
way to our daily tasks? Do our hearts shine with God’s love in a world filled
with misery and in our minds vowing to make a positive difference whether big or small in our communities? Do we listen with empathy to stories of
heartache and pain from those whose lives are drowning in a deluge of rain from
the storms of life? Do we use soft words to confront strife… to diffuse
situations always pushing toward the restoration of peace and harmony? Have the hungry been fed? Is there shelter
for the homeless? Do the sick have affordable health care? Are the incarcerated
being educated to succeed in the world beyond the cement walls? Will the Statue
of Liberty be allowed to continue to welcome immigrants with open arms to our
country?
How long O’ Lord will mindless selfishness be the rule
of our land? How long O’ Lord will the money god reign inflicting pain and oppression?
How long O’ Lord will phony politicians and evangelical Christians wreak havoc
destroying programs of promise?
1
out of 6 Americans face hunger
49
million Americans struggle to put food on the table
1
out of 5 children are hungry
1
out 3 African American and Latino children suffer from food scarcity
40
% of the food in America is thrown out every year…$165 billion dollars’ worth. All this uneaten food could feed 25 million
Americans.
St.
Matthew 25:34-36 (this scripture is the parable that separates the sheep (true believers) from the goats (hypocrites.)
34) Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand,
Come ye blessed of my Father inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation
of the world.
35) For I was a hungered and ye gave me meat. I was
thirsty, and ye gave me drink, I was a stranger and ye took me in;
36) Naked and ye clothed me; I was sick and ye visited me: I was in prison and ye came unto me.
Yesterday was pantry day. People from the community
gathered early in the morning in great expectation and anticipation of food
boxes to quell hunger pangs and the shame associated with food scarcity in one
of the richest countries in the world.
Friendly camaraderie floated in and out of easy conversation as the
clients lined up to get numbers and check in with Oasis the latest technology in
keeping track of the hungry. It’s summer time and somewhat muggy. Those who
have registered camp out in the shade waiting patiently for the arrival of the
truck which will come bearing gifts of meat, beverages, produce, dairy products, canned
goods, rice, bread and so much more. Over eighty people go home with enough
food to tide them over for the next few days.
How long O’ Lord before we learn to “Love thy neighbor
as thyself”?
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