While the New Testament scriptures were written in the first century, Christians were getting persecuted, especially in Rome.  According to a famous legend, Peter, Jesus’ choice to lead the church, was fleeing the city to escape the suffering when he encountered Christ going the other way—into the wreckage and turmoil. Peter asked Him, “Where are you going?” (Quo Vadis).  He responded, “I am going to Rome to be crucified again.”  Peter turned around to face the sorrowful scene and returned, realizing he, too, would encounter agony and death.

Each Lent, we ask ourselves a similar question in hope that we also have the stamina and will to accompany Christ, even in sacrifice or suffering.  In a like manner, we may ponder where the church is going or where our nation is going; we wonder if we are doing what is good, right, and holy.  Jesus and life teach us that the poor will be with us always while God and scripture teach us that we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.  Commissioned to care for one another, especially those anguishing in our communities, you generously responded to my request last weekend for food to fill urban pantries as support for our less fortunate neighbors.  Because of you, the shelves are filling up.  Thank you!

The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) made numerous cutbacks last month that effect federal emergency food assistance programs, particularly commodities that supply food banks across the country.  Food deliveries coming to Missouri and Kansas got called off.  Harvester’s, the largest local food bank, is significantly depleted which subsequently impacts the roughly 900 metropolitan shelters, community kitchens, and pantries that rely on them as a primary source for assistance.  To give an idea of the extent of national cuts, the Commodity Credit Corporation (part of USDA) provided nearly $950 million in national food assistance in 2024.  As I understand it, the USDA pause is for a five-month period and will be evaluated as we proceed.  Similarly, some state programs, like the Kansas Farm to Food project, are scheduled to cease; and several recently laid-off government employees have come to our pantries for help.  Not sure where all this will take us, I know that the church and people of goodwill are committed to providing nutrition for those with little means and are dedicated to caring for the hungry.  Like you, I hope that the cutbacks are temporary as leaders assess waste, fraud, and abuse in government spending.  Meanwhile, I join with urban parishes and other local social agencies to express gratitude for your assistance.

Perhaps first century Rome is not the best comparison for the food shortage in our pantries, but it does remind us of how Jesus accompanied others in need.  Whether or not He appeared there to Peter as an incentive for him to live out his faith, it can motivate us to not flee the suffering but to act in response to questions that flow from the central question, “Quo Vadis?”  As we ponder where our nation and church are going and consider our part in directing them, we also contemplate where we are personally and spiritually headed this Lent and how our contributions create a better society.  As Cardinal Hummes of Brazil whispered to the future Pope Francis during the 2013 Conclave, “Don’t forget the poor,” let us also not forget them.  Or as former Bishop John Sullivan of our diocese often reminded us about the road of faith: “We need the poor more than the poor need us.”  Let us continue our spiritual walk knowing that something or Someone might incentivize us to turn around and go the other way.  Quo Vadis?