Yesterday's reading and today's both reference hunger and provision.
In Matthew 25:31-40, Jesus speaks of "when [he] was hungry and [we-- his hearers] gave him food," and then today's reading ("Give us this day our daily bread") speaks of our hunger and of God giving us food/bread.
I read recently about how iron deficiency and an over-abundance of iron can have some similar symptoms. (Lack of iron, I think, can have "desire to chew ice" as a symptom).
It makes me think about how a lack of spiritual nourishment and an over-abundance of physical nourishment can have some similar symptoms.
Lack of spiritual nourishment = loss of compassion for others, self-centeredness, a shrinking world-view.
Over-abundance of physical nourishment = loss of compassion for others, self-centeredness, a shrinking world-view.
God gives us nourishment-- every day-- but we have to receive it. How often do I "chew ice"-- seek nourishment from that which is unsatisfying-- instead of waiting patiently to receive what I need for the day?
Any thoughts?
1 comments:
Isn't the connection between the physical and the spiritual mysterious?
I've never thought of self-indulgence as spiritual pica, but it makes sense. Maybe that's why God doesn't give us everything we ask for. Would you give your child paint chips to eat, even if he asks for paint chips?
I was struck yesterday with Jesus' saying "I was hungry...", "I was naked...", I was in prison ..."
It's hard for me to imagine Jesus having needs. I see him feeding the 5000, not asking for food. But this sounds like Jesus experiences hunger, nakedness, and loneliness through our hunger, nakedness, and loneliness. Not only do we respond to him when we care for others, but he experiences our needs with us. I find that comforting.
Post a Comment