Government and Governance 3

Hunger

 

V

 

Christ Jesus did not dismiss the necessities of man. He affirmed them himself, by multiplying the fish and loaves for his disciples. His Father, our Father, provides the abundance of the Earth to serve as the satisfaction of our needs, as He created us. The daily needs of life urge us to live each day today, fully, with wisdom and care, that today may provide for tomorrow, as the twelve baskets of food left over after the feast Jesus multiplied.

 

VI

 

Man, therefore, cannot be expected to starve, or to be denied the necessities for life. The obligation of the statesman is to govern in such a way that all receive what they justly deserve to live.

 

VII

 

In the face of hunger, man is severely challenged, for he is put into an unnatural state of distress. While the titans of the spirit, who have subjugated the body their spirit, can more withstand the beckoning of hunger, the vexation of hunger is one of the birthplaces of unhappiness, envy, and sin.

 

VIII

 

All ought to work towards the promotion of the latent fruits and animals of the Earth. Whatever work, if honest, must be appreciated, for when man works, he gives of himself to others, to increase the object of his work. If his efforts bear not fruit immediately, he must get a portion of the fruits that come now, and if his efforts are misguided, he must right them by himself and with the help of others and experience. Forgiveness and patience water plants and spear animals just as much as work does. His work shall bear fruit, according to the promise that, “whoever seeks, shall find.” We must feed one another, and be given a place at the table.

 

IX

 

Work that is not appreciated is a dishonor of sacrifice, and blasphemy against the dignity of man. Whoever does so incites wrath and longing for unequal justice in the wronged person, and ought to refrain and apologize sincerely.

 

X

 

All ought to work in proportion to their ability, and all, working and those who cannot, ought to share in the fruit of the labor. The statesman ought to govern so that all who can work, may work, and promote the fruits of labor. For the ability to work without the opportunity to work is like a man with healthy lungs but no air: he is just as unable to breathe as the man with unhealthy lungs, and just as leaning towards death. But those who do not work because of idleness are to be refrained, as the Apostle writes, “let they who do not work, do not eat,” and given no portion, until they had started and continued work. Then, growing in gratitude for the portion he did not deserve, he will increase his labors through habit, and help to promote the fruits and animals of the Earth.

 

XI

 

That men hunger is the conscious decision of men. The statesman must govern, so that all get what they justly need to live, and that avarice does not save for tomorrow what is to be consumed today, and what will rot tomorrow. Avarice destroys the fruits and animals of the Earth.