Online Prayer Retreat for Hunger

This 10-minute retreat invites us to deepen our faith through guided meditation. Enlightened by the word of God, we are encouraged to see with new eyes the challenges people face. We are called to reflect on how we can respond together to create lasting change and mitigate the pain of those who have been most affected. This is especially critical now, in a time when the COVID 19 pandemic increases the risk of hunger around the world and compels us to act in new ways.

Opening Prayer

God of all goodness, we want to take this time and use it to your glory. To spend time learning and be closer to you. We know that every creation is a gift from you: our lives, the earth, everything we eat and enjoy. May this time help us to focus on your generosity and our responsibility to protect and care for the land and those among us. Open our eyes, hearts and minds to everything you want to show us. We ask you in your Holy Name.
Amen

To See

We know that global hunger has increased due to the pandemic. Watch the first video and then reflect on the questions.

Reflection

• How do you feel and what do you think about what you just saw and heard?
• What caught your attention?
• How has COVID-19 affected you personally?
• Do you know anyone who has been deeply affected by hunger? How did you feel about it? How did you respond to it?

To Judge

Before you begin the second video, read and reflect on the following biblical quotes and questions. Explore what God proposes we do while we face these circumstances.

As they came near the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther; but they held him back, saying, “Stay with us; the day is almost over and it is getting dark.” So he went in to stay with them. He sat down to eat with them, took the bread, and said the blessing; then he broke the bread and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. They said to each other, “Wasn't it like a fire burning in us when he talked to us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”
– Luke 24:28-32

Reflection

• What part of the reading caught your attention the most? When were the eyes of the apostles opened?
• How could you apply this reading in your life today, especially with the pandemic increasing hunger around the world?

The righteous will then answer him, ‘When, Lord, did we ever see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? When did we ever see you a stranger and welcome you in our homes, or naked and clothe you? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these followers of mine, you did it for me!’
— Matthew 25:37-40

Reflection

• What caught your attention the most in this reading? At what point did they see Jesus hungry and feed him?
• How could you apply this reading in your life today, especially with the pandemic increasing hunger around the world?

To Act

The time has come to act and respond with the strength of the Gospel and with a new gaze. Watch the final video before moving to the closing prayer.

Closing Prayer

O God, you entrusted us with the fruits of all creation so that we might take care of the earth and nourish ourselves with its generosity. You sent us your son to share your own flesh and blood and to teach us your Law of Love. Through his death and resurrection, we have formed one human family. Jesus showed great concern for those who had no food. We come before you, O God, aware of the challenges in front of us and the need to open our eyes and see how you see us. Aware that you are calling us to share our blessings with all members of this human family. Through your wisdom, inspire government and business leaders, as well as all citizens of the world, to find just and charitable solutions to end hunger by ensuring that all people enjoy the right to food.
Amen

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