Give to the hungry, naked, anawim

Reading from evening prayer tonight, is from St James.  James admonishes his listeners that they need to give something to eat to the hungry.  Then, St. James informs them, their light will shine forth into the world.  Now we might think that this is a nice thing, to give food and clothing to the poor and needy, but what James suggests seems to be radical to those that hear him.  More so, works of carity, when done in charity, are always a living sign and symbol that God is with his people. 

This week we have a small group of high school young people who are participating in a fast and prayer lock-in.  During this time they will discuss and reflect on hunger and poverty.  This program is coorfinated by the CRS.  I hope that they learn something about doing good things, including prayer and works of charity for others.  But also I hope that they learn the importance of charity and the need to respond to the hurting, hungry and afraid.  We stand naked before God realizing out linitis and neediness.  But as a community we can learn to do what is right and good.  'If God is for us, who can be against.'

Our praise and worship of God cannot be limited to the sanctuary.  The memorial sacrifice of the Paschal Mystery only begns or response to the goodness which God has given us.  Jusr as God continues to care and nurture us, we have the opportunity to imitate that sacrament we  have received by doing good deeds for others.  As the scripturs offer us today, an example of God's love and mercy, we pray that God will offer us every good thing.

Just as Jesus touched the leper and sinner, so as to bring every good thing, we pray that God will offer us the opportunity to touch the hungry and hurting, ringing them peace and eternal life.