Monday's Meditation: The Hungry are Filled

I’ve heard people say, “God’s kingdom is an up-side down kingdom.” In truth, his way is right-side up: we are the ones standing on our heads.

In the West, rich people go to the head of the line. Money buys a seat even when the house is sold out. Money bends the will of those desperate to feed their families. Wealth, in the hands of natural men, is no blessing: it is a curse to themselves and others.

In less developed nations, the ruthless take the head of the line by force. Strength emboldens the heartless; they impose their will on the weak. Corruption diverts food and water away from those in need. Selfish human strength betrays the purpose of strength itself.

It’s the way of the world, and the world is weary in the way.

Beneath the clamour of getting and spending, fighting and struggle, I heard the voice of a young girl singing. Listen:

His mercy is for those who fear him

   from generation to generation.

He has shown strength with his arm;

    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;

He has brought down the mighty from their thrones

    and exalted those of humble estate;

He has filled the hungry with good things,

   and the rich he has sent away empty. (Luke 1: 50-53)

From inside an empire filled with wealth and brute force a teenage girl proclaimed the way of God. Mary whispered the words that toppled the kingdoms of this earth. God honors hunger, and we can all be hungry.

The teenager’s baby heard his mother’s song. When he was grown he sang, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”

Hunger is the equity that draws on the bank of heaven. No one is disqualified. We can all be hungry. An old woman with vaginal bleeding was hungry for God’s touch. Five thousand people hungered for his words more than food; they were all given plenty to eat. A foreign woman pretended to be a dog just to get a scrap of the children’s bread.  Desire is the first requirement, and we can all possess the currency. In his genius, insight and wisdom Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us today our daily bread.” When is the last time those were the words of our heart? Those who are full never ask to be fed.

This week’s meditation is two simple, difficult questions. When was the last time I was hungry? What am I hungry for?

On January 1st 2012, Students of Jesus moved to a new address.