Jesus said, "Congratulations to those who have been persecuted in their hearts: they are the ones who have truly come to know the Father. Congratulations to those who go hungry, so the stomach of the one in want may be filled." (69 Thomas)

Satisfaction is an impediment to knowing God. Physical hunger and emotional hurt can be gateways to knowing God.

If we do not need God - or if our need is no more than infatuation - there will always be distractions and excuses.

The closer we come to existential uncertainty the better prepared we may be for essential engagement.

Hunger and emptiness can make room for God, no longer excluded by self-indulgence, but welcomed with thanksgiving.

Self-satisfaction is almost always the opposite of self-fulfillment. True fulfillment comes in finding the self intended by God.