As human beings God created us with basic human needs; needs for shelter, clothing and food. Of course, why he created us so is beyond our comprehension. Yet we know, as he provides for the birds of the sky he will provide at even greater measure for us, his beloved children. It is important to appreciate the fact that when we address our physical needs we can more freely serve him and allow him to work through us. After all, our body is not our own – it has been purchased at a cost.
How can we give and serve others if we do not take the time to nourish ourselves both physically and spiritually? Jesus was fully aware of both the physical and spiritual needs his disciples held when they picked the heads of the grains of wheat. These men were giving to others, serving others and they were physically hungry. Their physical bodies needed nourishment. How beautiful that Jesus allowed them to partake in the meal of grain this day and then later give of his body in a wafer of grain to all.
When the Pharisees witnessed this behavior they stated it was unlawful for the disciples to pluck of the wheat on the sabbath. Jesus, proclaiming that the sabbath was made for man and not man for the sabbath, called them to witness to God’s truth everyday – every day is a holy day and every day we are called to serve others and attend to our physical needs. Jesus then beautifully shared with all the story of David and his companions when they were hungry and in need of bread. David, ensuring his companions would not go hungry gave them holy bread set aside for the offering, bread for the priest alone to consume. Today, we, priest, religious and laity alike are all invited to consume the holiest of all bread in the Eucharist. My, how things have changed since Jesus arrived on the scene!
Yes, just as the disciples had physical hunger, we too have physical hunger that needs to be met in a very real and physical sense. However, how do we often meet this need today in our fast paced world? Are we consuming food that will support life of the physical body so the spirit can move through us fully? Are we consuming real food that will nourish the temple we call our body, the one that has been purchased by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ? Or, are we eating mindlessly, allowing “non-food” entry into the body. Are we consuming food that God provided, or are we consuming non-food that no longer resembles God’s creation.
As a Naturopath, much of my work surrounds addressing the physical needs of my patients – their need for real, life-giving food. I continue to witness the fact that many (most) of God’s children are physically sick to some degree or another. Our bodies are ill and often the root cause is, in large part, an absence of good, solid nutrition. One of my favorite statements I like to share with my patients is this: “Eat food that remembers where it came from, the apple knew the tree, the fish knew the stream; however, the donut cannot remember it’s beginnings.” Oh, how many potlucks I have attended in my Catholic and Christian circles where there was a marked absence of life-giving food. It breaks my heart to witness this. I know we Catholic Christians can do much greater work for our Lord when our physical bodies are strong.
While we Catholic’s are blessed beyond measure to participate in the most holy of all foods – the Eucharist, I am calling us to a heightened honoring of the beautiful temple we have been given. Today our physical body needs healing – just look around and you will see the brokeness. As the disciples needed physical nourishment all those years ago, so do we. We too are called to be disciples for Christ and we need to be physically strong for the battles that lie ahead.
Jesus – I love you!
