My son, go out and try to find a poor man from among our kinsman exiled here in Nieveh. If he is a sincere worshipper of God, bring him back with you, so that he can share this meal with me. Tobit 2:2

After a long day, hospitality is not on the top of my list.  The only hunger I can sometime think about is my own. Yet here is Tobit refusing to eat until "a poor man" can be brought to his table.  His example reminds me that neighbors and strangers alike need nourishment.

Lately I am beginning my own family and living in a home further away from the parish and relatives.  I'm learning that building community takes planning.  Hosting meals can be a burden, but in these moments, more than food is shared.  Whenever we can manage to respond to the needs of others, we will find that we will be nourished ourselves.

Lord, give me strength and courage to welcome the hungry.

Julia DiSalvo