We recently had a cherished Sister die. Sr. Germaine had battled cancer for 9 months. She had formerly been our prioress. A memory that came to me was something that happened over 10 years ago. I was meeting with the prioress, Sr. Germaine, she asked me, “What is your hunger?” The question took me aback. (I learned later that she asked everyone who came into her office the question. More than once I was asked.)
We had just accepted a Corporate Commitment:
"We the Benedictine Sisters of Florida commitment ourselves and our resources to respond with the compassion of Christ to the physical, spiritual, emotional and social hungers of the people of God”.
Sr. Germaine knew somehow that knowing one’s own hunger was important. Trying to meet that hunger would in turn help feed the hungers of others. For example when I hungered for community and took quality time to relate to my Sisters I was feeding their hunger for community, too. Seeking to meet my hunger for prayer, silence, and solitude, gave space and encouragement to others to do the same.
“What do you hunger for?” I had to admit it was a good question with no pat answer. I asked and answered the question over and over through the years.
Our stomachs may be full, but we can starve ourselves spiritually by not feeding ourselves what is necessary for a healthy relationship to God, who is our Ultimate hunger.
What do You hunger for–Prayer? Community? Truth? Justice? Peace?
Maybe you need to meet the Benedictine Sisters at Holy Name Monastery in St. Leo, FL– we have these same hungers and they have led us to ministries of direct assistance to the poor, spiritual direction, retreat/hospitality, education, and peace/justice.
We’ve been in Florida since 1889. We help our oblates, volunteers and women interested in vowed membership to answer the question, “What is Your hunger?” May we help you?
Visit our webpage http://www.floridabenedictines.com/ or Call: 352 588-8320
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Sister....I really love this article! It has a timeless quality that can impact all ages and all religions. Thank you for writing it and, more importantly, for sharing it with all of us who hunger for ways to make a difference in today's world. God Bless You!
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