On Fridays

Scripture: “For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me.” Mark 14:7

Jesus was wise.

In Mark 14:7, he stated: “For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me.”

Despite our efforts, he knew the poor would be present.

Regardless, he encouraged us to show kindness to them.

Surprisingly, Jesus tells us, you will not always have me.

I interpret not having him as a challenge, a lifelong reminder—that we need to be the feeders of his sheep— we must respond.

On Fridays at our church, we work to respond. Our congregation is encouraged to deliver food for three church based food pantries.

Through a weekly video announcement, we inform our congregational disciples how much we collected, communicate any changes in food requests, and thank their kind hearts.

The following week, we deliver the food to the pantries. I’m always inspired by the volunteers on the distribution end. These distribution disciples work diligently to meet the nutritional needs of the people in their communities.

Each food pantry is a different setting, the communities unique, and undeniably, the success in meeting the community’s needs is grounded in the nudge from Jesus—feed my sheep.

Without question, the nutritional benefit for the recipients is undisputed. Yet, a gentle spiritual feeding of the sheep can be found from the distributing disciples—an encouraging smile, patient ears, and neighborly love make an impact too.

Prayer: Father of us all, always guide us to feed your sheep. Amen

Bill Pike
Richmond, Virginia

From the author: I was honored to have this piece published in the Hunger Action Month devotional book for the Society of St. Andrews on Saturday, September 14, 2024.