When we set out to serve others, we may think that we are the ones in power doing the giving. Often, however, we actually experience what some theologians have called mission-in-reverse. The ones we serve transform us, and we often find we receive more than we give. Those we serve have important gifts to share with us. We must approach those we serve with mutual respect and a shared mission.
This pane includes a time of actual feeding of those who are hungry. As you prepare for this work, remember the words of an aboriginal Australian activist,
"If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But, if you have come because your liberation is bound with mine, then let us work together."We must approach those we serve not only with respect for our shared humanity. We must also come listeners and learners from our sisters and brothers who are hungry - for theirs is the kingdom of God.
A Story
Share this story of St. Vincent de Paul.
He said to a new sister going out on her first assignment to feed the poor:
"You will find out that charity is a heavy burden to carry, heavier than the bowl of soup and the full basket. But you will keep your gentleness and your smile. It is not enough to give soup and bread. This the rich can do.... It is only for your love alone, that the poor will forgive you the bread you give to them."Discuss:
- Why would those who are hungry need to forgive those who feed them?
- When is it hard to receive? Have you ever had an experience when you found it hard to receive from another or when someone found it hard to receive from you?
- What is it that those who don't have food or wealth have to teach us? Has anyone been involved in service and learned from those they were serving? What did you learn?
Recount the line from the Beatitudes (either Luke 6:20 or Matthew 5:3) where the poor are called "blessed" and we hear that the kingdom of God is theirs.
Discuss:
What is "blessed" about being hungry or poor? Does this make sense?
Action and Reflection
Prepare the young people for the practical reality of what the service to follow will be. Instruct them to be attentive to those they will be with - to listen as well as speak, to be present with them as well as to serve.
Reprint this quote found an article by Claude-Marie Barbour, "Seeking Justice and Shalom in the City," International Review of Mission,1984, 304.
The mission-in-reverse approach teaches that the minister can and should learn from the people ministered to - including, and perhaps especially, from the poor and marginalized people. By taking these people seriously, by listening to them... personal relationships are developed, and the dignity of the people is enhanced. Such presence to people is seen as necessarily allowing them to be leaders in the relationship.Discuss:
- Who did you meet? What were the peoples'/individuals' names?
- What did you discover of their stories?
- What did you learn from them? Or from your reflection on your experience now?
- Did you experience mission-in-reverse? Learning from those you came to give to?
- For what do you need to be thankful because of this encounter?
- How can we remember that when we give, we often receive? We are one and equal. The giver and the receiver change places, after all. We learn from one another.
Go somewhere local to feed the hungry--A shelter or the streets
You might considere the "Hope-Bag" outlined here:
What, How, What Else?
Information on hunger and poverty, How to be involved in feeding the hungry, and supplemental activities or resources that can support practicing this work of mercy found on the web
