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Bishop Paul Swarbrick says the conflict in Sudan has created “a humanitarian catastrophe that can no longer be ignored.”
“Where are we to get enough bread in such a desolate place to feed so great a crowd?”
Faced with the immense need of a hungry crowd, and few resources, we can perhaps sympathize with the disciples’ question: Where are we to get enough bread in such a desolate place to feed so great a crowd?
Perhaps we too sometimes feel overwhelmed by the needs we see in the world around us, such as in Sudan which is in the grip of a catastrophic hunger crisis, triggered by relentless conflict. Over half the population faces starvation, and millions of families are on the brink.
Jesus takes the seven loaves and few small fish they do have and gives thanks. He breaks the loaves and divides the fish. Jesus does not distribute the bread and fish himself but gives this task to his disciples. When they share these gifts with the crowd there is more than enough with some left over.
Today, Jesus continues to look with compassion on the hungry and calls us, as his followers, to come together and help meet their needs. Telley Sadia, CAFOD’s Country Representative for Sudan, speaks of the difference that Church partners are making, saying: “CAFOD is on the ground in Sudan and neighbouring countries, working tirelessly alongside local partners and church structures to reach out to displaced people and those in hard-to-reach locations where fighting is raging on.”
This Advent let’s pray and work for a world where everyone has enough.
Advent prayer
Generous God,
fill us with your compassion
and nourish our commitment to justice
until all people may eat and be satisfied.
Amen.
Act
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