It my seem paradoxical, but focus invites mindfulness. In some ways, focus means loss of context, narrowing our attention so that we are not distracted. Initially, our hungers may crowd everything else out of our awareness. In Schools is that pain or hunger can cause us to narrow our focus. But given time, focus can lead beyond this narrow, self-centered way.
Mindfulness is hunger in context.
On a diet of manna, the Israelites began to see the desert in a new way. They learned to live and work together in this new home, and became aware of God s relationship to them. On a diet of gofio, the Palmeros survived on their island, began to share their resources, and found a new food for their children. Reflecting on the Gospel, I see Jesus waking up to a wider need for healing and forgiveness. I think it took time for Jesus to see clearly and claim publicly God s call on his life.