Daily Meditation for February 21, 2024

There is a quote by Louis C.K. that reads, “The only time you look in your neighbor’s bowl is to make sure that they have enough. You don’t look in your neighbor’s bowl to see if you have as much as them.” This awareness is true not only materialistically, but also emotionally, socially, psychologically and spiritually. We all hunger and need our “bowls” filled in different ways. Some may struggle financially with the rising costs of food, rent and essential household items. Other empty “bowls” may need to be filled with a listening ear or words of comfort, encouragement or understanding. Perhaps the bowl belongs to the neighbor who wants to share the same story for the 100th time or the neighbor who needs help coping with anxiety, depression or mental illness. Am I aware of the needs of those around me? Am I responding so that my neighbor’s bowl is filled?

By Catherine Duenne, OSB