Feeding the poor is ‘free parking’
Feeding the poor is ‘free parking’
If my belief were a Monopoly game, the church food pantry would be the spot labeled “free parking.” If you are in need of food, you can visit the church to collect free food, as it is simply part of the church. Straightforward, uncomplicated, free, and sometimes incredibly significant.
My family is not, thanks to God’s grace, reliant on the food pantry to nourish us, but I am very thankful that it is available — both for those it helps and for my own benefit whenever I have the opportunity to contribute.
I keep my participation straightforward: During my weekly grocery run, I grab a few extra items of shelf-stable food — the identical foods, and the same brands, that I prefer for my own family, because if I have the means to spend a bit more to choose the quality options for myself, then I can definitely extend that to someone who has limited choices in life.
When I have one of my children with me, I allow them to choose an item, which makes them feel more engaged. The following day, when we attend Mass, I place the items in one of the collection boxes — or, preferably, I request one of the kids to do it, ensuring they maintain a practical connection with this essential act of charity.
And that’s all there is to it. Straightforward, significant, low-maintenance, and efficient. Complimentary parking for Catholics.
But what is the reason someone would require a notion such as “free parking” within the Church, particularly if they aren’t impoverished and don’t require its assistance? Although God may be straightforward, our connection with his Church can become intricate. Numerous facets of our faith can turn painful or perplexing or strained, making it increasingly difficult to identify any connection point with God, any place where we can maintain simplicity and simply exist.
Keep it simple
Perhaps we’ve encountered a negative experience with an individual in the parish, and, being human, we often find it challenging to separate that relationship from our connection with God. At times, we may be at fault, while at other moments we are not, but it is quite normal to wrestle with certain unfavorable connections to the very place that is supposed to be our spiritual home, with those individuals who are meant to constitute our spiritual community.
However, contributing to the food pantry offers free parking! When we donate, there’s no need to interact with anyone, and we can avoid any social niceties. Truly anyone can drop a box of macaroni and cheese into the donation bin and simply leave; and it will invariably be a vital and beneficial action to take.
Perhaps we are feeling annoyed or disheartened or skeptical regarding the finances within our diocese. We regard our duty to support the church with seriousness, yet we have significant concerns about whether funds are being utilized effectively. FOOD PANTRY, FREE PARKING. That small package of coffee, granola bars, and tuna remains within the community and nourishes someone who desires and requires it. Providing food for those in need will continually be among the least contentious exchanges possible.
Perhaps we’re struggling with prayer. Perhaps our spiritual life feels disjointed, resentful, or simply lacks vibrancy at the moment, and we find it difficult to break free from this state. Maybe we’re not in a position of grace and are not yet prepared to take the necessary steps to return. What should be our next move?
Food pantry! Complimentary parking! Opting for a small, simple choice to contribute to the food pantry weekly is an excellent method to maintain that bond with God, especially when we might not be experiencing it otherwise.
Good deeds do not replace prayer. A complete Reformation took place regarding that issue. However, willingly dedicating even a small amount of time, effort, and, indeed, money tends to become an experience that gets engraved in our minds, and if we persist, we might discover that this modest and pragmatic act of kindness is performing its additional role and gentling our hearts. Works of mercy possess semi-permeable barriers, and the physical and the ethereal are not as distinct from one another as it may appear.
Perhaps we find ourselves uncertain about our beliefs now. Some aspects of the creed seem strange, and we’re beginning to question whether this entire idea is as logical as it appeared when we were younger.
Food. Pantry. Free. Parking. Regardless of our opinions, nobody can dispute the concept of providing food to those in need.
Or can they?
‘Go to the poor’
Perhaps we feel uneasy about the notion of providing food for individuals who aren’t, definitively, literally in a state of starvation. This is America; certainly, they could discover some means to sustain themselves, especially with the economy on the upswing and the employment sector making a comeback. Maybe a slight amount of discomfort in their stomach could create just the right incentive to push them to strive a bit more and obtain their own meals, along with their dignity. …
GO DIRECTLY TO JAIL.
If this is the situation we are in, then the issue truly lies with us. We are indeed gazing upon the needy visage of Jesus himself and replying, “Nah.” In that case, we must cease tuning into provocative podcasts and begin compiling a list of all the individuals who have supported us instead of disregarding us, all the instances of our good fortune rather than misfortune, all the circumstances that have come together for us that could have just as likely not turned out in our favor, and how even our very next breath is uncertain, yet is a precious gift from God. Next, we ought to purchase something that would bring us joy to discover on our own shelves and place it in the donation box. Place in two.
Jesus declared, “Nourish my flock” (Jn 21:17) and his intention was to sustain them with truth, but also with physical nourishment. After his resurrection, he took the time to prepare a warm breakfast for his companions. He was anticipated by the Passover lamb that the Israelites were instructed to slay and consume prior to their journey into the wilderness, and subsequently by the manna that sustained them in the desert. He understood that individuals needed to hear the Sermon on the Mount, and comprehending is simpler when one’s stomach is full, so he multiplied the bread and fish. He provides for people. He instructs us to provide for others. This is how to emulate Jesus, and it’s how to carry out what Jesus repeatedly commanded us to do. Free parking!
September 27 is the celebration day of St. Vincent de Paul, who stated: “Visit the needy. You will discover God.”
Indeed, having the chance to provide nourishment to someone who is hungry is a wonderful blessing, and if we have the ability to do so, we ought to express our gratitude to God for being in that favorable position this week. Conditions can shift unexpectedly. I have experienced the opposite situation, and trust me: It’s far more challenging to experience that calm, relaxing “free parking” sensation when you find yourself in a position of need.
