Finding Hope, Ending Hunger on Both Sides of the Border: A Bilingual Latino Devotional - Flipbook - Page 17
GLOBAL HUNGER AND MALNUTRITION
Biblical Reflection
n Proverbs, we find an exhortation to see, hear, and attend to the cries of those in need: “The generous
will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor” (Proverbs 22:9). But, we are also
told to attend to their needs quickly: “Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back tomorrow, and I’ll
give it to you’—when you already have it with you” (Proverbs 3:28).
I
In Matthew 14:15-21, Jesus cared for the basic needs of those who followed him as much as he cared for
their spiritual needs. The disciples came to Jesus to ask him to let people leave to find something to eat,
but Jesus’ surprising response was to “give them something to eat.” He
invited his disciples to see the resources that were among them. It is from
“As disciples,
these resources, five loaves and two fish, that Jesus performed a miracle.
we are called to
In some regions of Latin America, income inequities are quite significant.
Some people do not even have a loaf of bread, while others have abundant
food and resources.
attend to the cry of
people in need.”
The first 1,000 days—from a woman’s pregnancy to her child’s second birthday—are critical for a child’s
development. However, too many children in Latin America die before reaching that milestone because
they lack a nutritious diet. Now, the COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating hunger and malnutrition in
the region. As disciples, we are called to attend to the cry of people in need. Perhaps our five loaves and
two fish are the answer to these children’s prayers.
Reflection Questions
1. When was the last time you did not know when your next meal would be?
2. How can you and your church be the answer to the prayers of parents who do not know how they
will feed their children?
3. How might you help to advocate for an end to hunger in the United States, Latin America, and other
parts of the world?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I ask you for all my brothers and sisters in Latin America who are hungry today. For the
children who go to bed hungry. For the parents who in anguish pray to you waiting for a miracle. I ask
you to give me love and courage to be the answer to those prayers.
Call to Action
In the Evangelii Gaudium (paragraph 180), Pope Francis says, “Both Christian preaching and life are
meant to have an impact on society.” Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis has invited us with words
and example to go out to the peripheries, come out of our comfort zone, and put our faith into action
by uniting ourselves with those in need. Join the fight by being a faithful advocate to end hunger and
malnutrition in Latin America.
Brenda Noriega is a mission educator at Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers in Montebello, California.
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