February 8, 2026 • Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Share your bread with the hungry–Isaiah 58: 7
The advocacy group, Bread for the World, writes: “It is commonly known that the cause of hunger in the world is not a shortage of food but rather access to food. Some people are hungry because food is in short supply in their area and for a specific reason. It may be because they can’t afford to buy enough food. It may be both. Some countries have a ‘hunger season’ every year. It’s when the previous harvest is gone and the next harvest is not yet ready. It can last as long as three or four months.
“The U.S. doesn’t have that kind of a hunger season, but for many families, some weeks are hungrier than others. These usually come toward the end of the month, as families run short of food before they have money to buy more. People can’t simply decide to spend less on rent, but if necessary, they can spend less on food. For many low-wage workers, retirees, people with disabilities, and their families, even careful planning cannot stretch the grocery budget throughout the month. Less expensive — and less nutritious — filler foods can keep children’s stomachs from growling, but they can’t provide what children need to grow and learn. Adults who are missing meals because they can’t afford to buy food can’t concentrate as well at work.”
Catholic social teaching tells us that after charity comes solidarity, relationship. Relationship leads to advocacy for just changes because bonds with those on the margins help us become the “light of the world.”
You can begin today to effect change by participating in any of the following food ministries here at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral: Catholic Parish Outreach Food Pantry, Helen Wright Shelter for Women dinners, Oak City Cares weekend meals for homeless and hungry, and/or Women’s Center lunches for homeless women. More detailed information can be found on the HNOJ Cathedral website (Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral | Corporal Works of Mercy). To join, contact: socialconcern@hnojnc.org
To begin helping with advocacy, take action at the Bread for the World website, http://www.bread.org/about-hunger, as they write: “We can virtually end hunger in our time. Each person who takes action with Bread for the World helps us get closer to that goal.”
The one who becomes a light to the world, brings forth a new day of grace and justice and it begins by sharing your bread.
Barbara Molinari Quinby, MPS, Director
Office of Human Life, Dignity, and Justice Ministries
Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral Raleigh, NC