N for Nourish
Food is an essential part of daily life, wherever in the world we find ourselves.
Nowadays, publicity does not fail to display what is seen as appropriate choices in terms of food.
Advice, recommendations, suggestions of healthy dishes, information about diets, nothing is missing.
It is interesting to note that the topic of nourishment comes back also… in the gospels!
More than once, Jesus speaks about it.
The texts of the gospel speak at least twice about occasions that lead to a memorable miracle.
The text of Luke shows us the apostles, after a long period of teaching, asking Jesus to send back the people (Luke 9:12-17).
“Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging”.
We know what happened: Jesus nourished (provided food for) the crowd of 5000 people by multiplying five loaves and two fishes.
An interesting detail is given to us at the end of the story of the young daughter of Jairus whom Jesus brought back to life.
The text mentions clearly:
“Jesus told them to give her something to eat” (Luke 8:55).
Yet, we must remember what took place during Jesus’ retreat in the desert.
Tempted by Satan to change stones into loaves of bread to feed himself, Jesus replied to the one tempting him:
“A human being does not live on bread alone,
but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
Deeper still is the affirmation of Jesus who says:
“I am the bread of life,
he who comes to me will never be hungry” (John 6:34).
During this period of Lent, it is good to ask oneself what truly satisfies us…
Does the word of God nourish me every day?…
Do I welcome his presence – bread-of-life – giving me the abundant life (John 10:10) that he offers me from day to day?…
Perhaps I would need to adjust… my menu…
Source: Images: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints