Spiritual Hunger - Family Reflection Video

Anyone who’s gone on a road trip or long drive with family or friends knows what it’s like to get hungry or thirsty. And you probably know what happens next … the question: what do you feel like eating? 

It’s a miracle if there is a unanimous conclusion; most often, some in the group know what they want but don’t agree with the others, and then there are the people who say, "I don’t know what I want”.

Well, like our physical hunger, we also have a spiritual hunger, for God has made us to be in union with Him and with each other through Him. At times, we’re like the first group; we hunger for God’s consolation when we are saddened by the loss of a loved one, disappointed in how life is going, or countless other trying times. 

We might also hunger for God’s encouragement that we’re on the right track and that we can stay on it, despite our past detours. 

We certainly can hunger for God’s strengthening us to stand up for and live the gospel way of life, even when it is unpopular. 

The fact is our souls and bodies need God even more than we need food and water. Don’t get me wrong; we need both, but if you’ve ever tried to go without God’s nourishment, you know how quickly you feel it, that sense of weariness and fatigue in trying to live day-to-day. 

Yes, our bodies need to be fed and hydrated, but, boy, do our souls need nourishment and hydration, too! 

Yesterday, I presided over a funeral and committal service for a gentleman just a few years older than me. Just two years ago, he was full of life, the kind of husband, father, brother, and friend we would all like to have … then illness struck, and yesterday we raised our prayers to God for mercy on his soul and consolation for his loved ones. 

Every day, we need God, and every day God offers His nourishment to us. It’s in moments like yesterday, standing before his wife, other family members, and friends, that I am reminded of how God builds us up daily for these hard moments, the times we need that extra faith, hope, and love to provide support for those whose faith is wavering or who feel so saddened and alone. 

We can only share this belief in God if we are receiving what we need each day because we are like the faithful in the Acts of the Apostles, subject to powerful forces that oppose God. The forces that are trying to drive us apart from Him and each other. 

However, like Philip and the others, we can thrive in doing the work of God if we are nourished by Jesus, the Bread of Life. 

When we receive Jesus in the Eucharist, we remember His promise, “That whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.” 

When we receive Jesus in Holy Communion, Jesus becomes a part of us, transforming us from the inside out. 

We are also nourished by adoring Jesus both after Communion and at other times before the Blessed Sacrament. It’s in these times that we find what we hunger and thirst for in our lives. 

It’s in these times that He pours out His love and mercy into our hearts which allows us to serve Jesus in the people who most need His help. 

What a blessing that we are here together and online in spiritual communion with Jesus, the Bread of Life, the one who satisfies every hungry heart with His Body and Blood.

• Today’s readings

• Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.) 

• To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am Eastern, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)