The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Fred Mislang SVD – Villa Cristo Rey, Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City
Monday 3rd Week of Easter
In March 7, 1985, a group of artists gathered together in a concert called USA for Africa to raise funds from their singing for the million people who were dying of hunger and malnutrition in Africa.
Not discounting the goodness of their actions, their efforts unfortunately fell far short of the holistic solution as they contented themselves with merely satisfying the physical hunger and left out the more important thing – the spiritual hunger.
This is the point Jesus makes in our gospel where He tells the people: “Don’t strive for food that perishes; strive for food that endures for eternal life.” (John 6,27) Yes, Jesus is telling us, “Don’t be contented with ‘body’ food but more so with ‘soul’ food, food that gives eternal life.”
Actually, “chronic spiritual hunger is more of a threat to modern society than chronic physical hunger and malnutrition.”
This is seen in many who are lost, in depression, into drugs, and finds no meaning in their life. They may possess materials things but are hungry spiritually.
“Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and puts them into practice.” (Luke 11,28)
