CAFOD Lent Prayer and Reflection for 1st Sunday of Lent 2020
He fasted for forty days and forty nights, after which he was very hungry...Matthew 4:2
Jesus knew what it was like to go hungry. He fasted in the desert for forty days. There he was tempted by the devil who offered him food, then power and glory, and then the chance to put God to the test. Jesus resisted. We all know a little about feeling hungry. How it can make us feel shaky and weak, lead us to make poor decisions or become emotional.
For some of us, that hunger is temporary. But for many people, hunger is an ever-present concern. A dark shadow looms as they wonder when they will next be able to eat. People like the expectant mothers who come to Mtora Mission Hospital in Zimbabwe. Often those who arrive here are famished. Sister Consilia Munkuli works at the hospital as a pharmacist. She tells us, “Sometimes they would not have enough food to sustain themselves. Some come from home without any food.”
CAFOD has supported the clinic to establish a nutrition garden. Women who need to stay here until they give birth now have maize and vegetables to eat.
Share the hunger of others
As we fast this Lent, following Jesus’ example in the desert, we remember that everything that we have comes from God. As we feel hunger, let us take time to step back and consider how we can help others for whom fasting is not a choice.
Lent prayer
Christ Jesus, you know what it is to feel hungry and alone. Open my eyes to my brothers and sisters who will not eat today, and fill me with compassion, so that I may reach out to them in love. Amen.
Act
This coming Friday is Family Fast Day. Please eat simply and give what you save, so that others can eat too. Be inspired, read more to find ideas and a guide for holding your own simple soup lunch.
He fasted for forty days and forty nights, after which he was very hungry...Matthew 4:2
Jesus knew what it was like to go hungry. He fasted in the desert for forty days. There he was tempted by the devil who offered him food, then power and glory, and then the chance to put God to the test. Jesus resisted. We all know a little about feeling hungry. How it can make us feel shaky and weak, lead us to make poor decisions or become emotional.
For some of us, that hunger is temporary. But for many people, hunger is an ever-present concern. A dark shadow looms as they wonder when they will next be able to eat. People like the expectant mothers who come to Mtora Mission Hospital in Zimbabwe. Often those who arrive here are famished. Sister Consilia Munkuli works at the hospital as a pharmacist. She tells us, “Sometimes they would not have enough food to sustain themselves. Some come from home without any food.”
CAFOD has supported the clinic to establish a nutrition garden. Women who need to stay here until they give birth now have maize and vegetables to eat.
Share the hunger of others
As we fast this Lent, following Jesus’ example in the desert, we remember that everything that we have comes from God. As we feel hunger, let us take time to step back and consider how we can help others for whom fasting is not a choice.
Lent prayer
Christ Jesus, you know what it is to feel hungry and alone. Open my eyes to my brothers and sisters who will not eat today, and fill me with compassion, so that I may reach out to them in love. Amen.
Act
This coming Friday is Family Fast Day. Please eat simply and give what you save, so that others can eat too. Be inspired, read more to find ideas and a guide for holding your own simple soup lunch.
