“The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry.”- Mark 11:12
Mark chapter 11 tells the story of what we now call “Palm Sunday.” While I’ve read it many times, I just recently paused on this rather humorous note in verse 12 that “Jesus was hungry.” There are many passages where we see Jesus eating with the disciples or feeding large crowds. But I’ve never really taken the time to think about the fact that Jesus’ stomach growled just like all of us! We often think of all the things that Jesus offers to us, and yet someone had to take care of his needs as well. In hindsight we might think “what a privilege to serve lunch to Jesus Christ the Son of God!” But I’m guessing the disciples and Jesus found eating pretty ordinary.
The truth is that you and I also find eating pretty ordinary. Whether a fancy meal, or a drive-through lunch, or even a bag of chips and a Coke, we take eating for granted most of the time. However, there many people in our community that do not have a plentiful supply of food or regular access to food on a daily basis. That’s one of the main reasons our family of faith is embarking on “Ending Hunger OKC” – an effort to feed people in our community. We began coordinating Meals on Wheels (formerly mobile meals) for Oklahoma County just a few weeks ago, and we are working with churches, individuals and partner agencies to provide hot meals to senior adults. In addition to the wonderful Saturday meal program that has been ongoing for 30+ years, we are now actively engaged in feeding people 6 days per week! In the coming months we hope to expand our services to children, veterans, people coming home from the hospital and even the pets of senior adults. You can learn more and sign up to be involved at www.endinghungerokc.org.
I hope that every day, when you and I sit down for a meal, we will remember that there are hungry people right here in our community. I hope we will give thanks to God for all that He provides for us, and that we will each find ways to reach out to bless the lives of others. Our effort as a family of faith may not solve all the needs of hungry people in our community, but we can make a real difference by taking the time to prepare and deliver a hot meal along with the gift of hope through a kind word of encouragement.
Rev. Phil Greenwald, Executive Pastor of Administration
