Pastor's Note

HUNGER AND FOOD
November 12th, 2006

Not long ago, I was at a restaurant with some friends. Unable to finish the meal, I asked for a container in order to take home the uneaten food. The next day that food became my lunch.
It wasn’t too many years ago when asking for a ‘doggie bag’ was considered a bit unusual. Some people even pretended that the food was for their pets while everyone knew they would eat it themselves. Taking leftovers home is one of the positive changes that have taken place in this country.
Food is truly one of the basics of life. We have to appreciate the food that we eat and do what we can not to waste it. Most of us truly don’t know what it may be like not to have food to eat.
When I was in college and going through a financially difficult time, I recall going a couple of weeks eating nothing but peanut butter sandwiches. But I didn’t complain because I knew it was temporary. Yet many people, right here in this ‘land of plenty,’ can’t get through a month without running out of food. Even more people manage to eat, but are loading up on foods that are not nutritiously sound or good for them.
Perhaps that is why I always support collections of food items. Food is basic, and no one should have to wonder if they will have something to eat today or tomorrow.
Please support the parish food collection next weekend. As you buy food for yourself, consider what you can also share with those who do not have food or the means to buy it. Thank you.