Grumbling
A Reflection from the Interpath Traditions
by Thomas P. Bonacci, C.P

There are many hungry people in the World today. We must not satisfy ourselves by saying, “The number of hungry people is lower than it was ten years ago.” We must not satisfy ourselves by minimizing the problem or blaming it on circumstances. The hungry have even been blamed for their own hunger! No one should ever be hungry. Exodus 16: 2-15 tells the story of God who fed the hungry. God heard the “grumbling” of the people and sent them bread and meat from heaven.            

This powerful story of a freed people’s wanderings in the wilderness shows how necessary it is for heaven to be close to Earth. The glory of God is not found in some throne room in heaven but the streets (verse 10). The glory of God walks with the people in their situation of aimlessness and hunger.            

There is a great lesson here. As God possesses nothing for the sake of God, we are called to share our wealth and abundance with those who hunger. Our successes, wealth, and accomplishments must be for the sake of one another. We must set ourselves free, so we might be generous of heart to all those in need. The joy of God is our willingness to be people who are self-giving and compassionate like God who heard “grumbling” as if it were a prayer.           

Not a day goes by without someone grumbling somewhere. Our ears must be attuned to their cry for help. We pray for the gift to hear the “grumbling” of the people as a rallying call to do what we can to alleviate the sufferings of others.          

Many people hunger for truth, justice, and liberty. Their cry summons us to work with them in the pursuit of what is right and just. We must come down from the high heavens of our self-sufficiency to march for what is good as we feed the hungry and shelter those exposed to the forces of nature.           

We might even find ourselves in a wilderness of confusion, hurt, and greed. Like Moses, we must remind the powerful to be generous with their bread, unyielding in the pursuit of justice, and faithful to God who experiences “grumbling” as a prayer.

Blessings to you, Holy Community, for all the times you heard the grumbling as a prayer and came to the rescue. May you be blessed as you have blessed.   

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Notice

As things begin to return to a new normal, we at The Interfaith Peace Project are here for you in any way that you need us. The Antioch Center is now open to fully vaccinated people on Wednesdays, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. We are vigilant and will adjust to any and all recommendations from the state and county. We will continue our work through Zoom as we add in person programs. If you would like to schedule an in person or Zoom program or would like a phone appointment with any of us, give us a call. You may call or email Tom at:

Tom Bonacci
[email protected]
925-787- 9279