World Food Day

Two Biblical texts challenge me today.

First, I asked a confirmation class to write the Lord’s Prayer in their own words. A young woman expressed “Give us this day our daily bread” as “Feed the world today.” Those words still grab my attention. For it is God’s desire that the world be fed today, there is enough food in the world to feed everyone. Will human beings, will we, allow that to happen? In what ways do my actions block this clear and simple prayer from being realized?

Second, from Luke 6: 21a, 25a:

“Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.”

“Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry.”

I am not in the first category – I live in a place of abundant food. In 3 minutes driving south on the street the manse is on, I pass a large grocery store and six restaurants. The fridge is full. No, I am not among the hungry. I am among those who are full. The well-fed, the overly fed. The warning is for me, and those who are in similar situations. Do I dare to ask God to bring hunger into my life that I might experience Jesus’ promise being fulfilled?

PRAYER:

Lord God, feed the world today, and use me, use us, to make that a reality. Show us how we can participate with you in your desire to see all the people of the earth be fed. Help those of us who are well-fed to examine our lives in the light of your Son’s words, that we might change our ways and our attitudes by the action fot eh Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.