Scripture: Matthew 20:20-22a
Growing up in a home where food was always available, we often had choices about both food and drinks.
It wasn’t easy to comprehend how some of our neighbors lived much more sparsely.
As a high school student, I joined a group that traveled to the barrio south of our school to tutor grade school students.
There, I first met young children whose basic daily food came from school.
I listened as Mario told me he sometimes couldn’t pay attention in class in the morning because he hadn’t eaten since lunch the day before.
One day he explained, “Mama gives me warm water or tea before I get on the bus. I try to take home the milk from lunch so I can drink it before I go to bed at night.”
I could not imagine how he could be grateful for such a little bit of nourishment until I realized he sometimes had no other food or drink!
When the Psalmist asks, “what shall I return to the Lord for all (God’s) bounty to me?” I wonder if the cup of Salvation might look more like a half- pint of milk?
Prayer: Lord, in these Lenten days, help us choose well the cup we are willing to drink. Strengthen us to recognize and receive your gift of Salvation, even when it comes through a cup of suffering. Amen.
Linda McKiernan-Allen, Indianapolis, IN
A daily Lenten devotional reprinted with permission from The Society of St. Andrew to inspire help sharing nourishing food with neighbors in need.
Every $1 donated provides more than 40 servings to those in greatest need. A donation of $47 for the 47 days in Lent provides more than 1,880 servings.
What a way to celebrate the resurrection of hope and lift the cup of salvation for our hungry neighbors!
First Reflections 