Who do you say I am?

“Who do you say I am?”

Being open to the face of God in any and all circumstances can be life changing. I found this to be true in my going on pilgrimage with Food For The Poor. Actually I’ve been blessed to go to three countries with Food For The Poor, Haiti, Jamaica, and El Salvador. What I’m discovering about myself is that unpacking these experiences can bring one to tears. Because it is in the circumstances my brothers and sisters find themselves everyday; in the countries FFP serves with their struggles specifically; that Christ truly resides in and around them.
In each country I’ve been in, after seeing the poor whether in their homes or schools or orphanage or a feeding center, the same question Jesus asked his disciples rings in my ears, “Who do you say I am”? I think I know the answer, yet knowing that the people whom FFP serves and the varied circumstances each find themselves, I’m incredibly humbled. Jesus said the poor will always be with us, and in Food For The Poor I better realize that my diaconate is more than serving at the altar although that is important. Its understanding that our journey or rather Pilgrimage in this foreign land is one in which helping those whose voices are often unheard or their faces unknown, that we can see the face of God clearly.
I’m praying as I’m writing this because Hurricane Dean has churned in the areas FFP operates and the people in this region have much to struggle with. The poor in these places have in most cases lost everything and in some instances their lives and how FFP seeks to provide emergency aid to thousands of homeless and hungry, is truly God’s work!
When I was in El Salvador recently, one of the places I was privileged to visit was the church where Bishop Oscar Romero was murdered. A beautiful little nun by the name of Sister Lucy shared the story of the events leading up to Oscar Romero being martyred. I remember well what she said of Food for the Poor and the work they do. Because she knew Oscar Romero personally and was there when he died I’m confident of her words to us that day. Sr. Lucy said that Food for the Poor was carrying on the work of Oscar Romero, and that we as deacons and servants of the Incarnate God are helping the light of Christ burn within our brothers and sisters of those in need.
I’m blessed beyond measure in going with and visiting the poor that Food For the Poor serves. Thank you FFP, and may Almighty God Blessed this wonderful organization and the people associated with them.
Deacon Dennis Bennin, Diocese of Green Bay