Hungry

May 6th, 2007
Spirituality

Today is Fast Sunday.

On the first Sunday of every month, able-bodied Mormons go without food and drink for 2 meals (in our family, children 8 and older miss breakfast on Sunday, and those of us age 12 and older miss breakfast and lunch). The reasons are many: to show obedience to the law of the fast, to give thanks to God for sustaining life, to increase awareness of the need for spiritual sustenance, to bring the physical body into submission to the spirit. And, most importantly, to help others. Self-imposed hunger brings the reminder that others are hungry, and also brings the motivation to help. As part of the fast, church members donate money to the poor and needy among them–at minimum, the money saved by missing two meals.

This state of being closes the distance between man and God, and enables more powerful and effective prayers. It’s a time of cleansing, both literally and figuratively. It’s a time for self-examination and rededication. It’s a time to hunger and thirst after righteousness.

This Fast Sunday I’m mindful of how delightful my days are right now. In my house we’re all healthy, happy, enjoying a beautiful spring. All our wants and needs are met. But other people in my life are suffering, struggling daily to keep their heads above water. One friend is striving valiantly to overcome substance addiction. Another is trying to save a crumbling marriage. Another, a single parent of five, has a teenage daughter about to give birth and a preschool daughter who is very ill–every day she walks a tightrope of physical and emotional survival.

This contrast hurts. I am grateful for the ease in my life right now, this beautiful year–the best I’ve ever had–which came on the heels of great crisis and difficulty. I know it’s only a matter of time before difficult days come again. But I wish I could share this fulness I’m enjoying. I wish that I could fast from peace and contentment, health and stability, for these 24 hours of Fast Sunday, gather up what I saved, and give it to my friends in need. They are hungry.

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