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Biblical reflection
“Give us this day our daily bread”. We know these words from the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. Faith in God and confidence in God’s caring love relates to everyday life and our basic needs. Without daily nourishment, we will lose our strength. Jesus knew this well from the reality in which he lived, a reality that also today affects millions of innocent people and causes suffering and death. “Our daily bread” refers to what we need each day, with a reminder that enough is enough. We should not stock food unnecessarily, nor adopt consumption habits that burden our community or the environment. Jesus teaches us to pray in plural, in solidarity with all who are hungry. Our concern should not be limited to satisfying our own needs, but to strive – in our prayers and in our work – for a world where everyone has the food they need each and every day. “You give them something to eat”, Jesus told his disciples when thousands were without food in the desert. In a wonderful way, limited resources were transformed so that everyone had enough to eat. Part of this wonder consisted in the equal sharing of fish and bread. Thus, a shortage of food was turned into abundance (Matthew 14:15–21).Questions
- What does it mean in our society of abundance and consumption when we pray “give us this day our daily bread”?
- Russian philosopher Nikolai Berdyaev said: “The question of bread for myself is a material question, but the question of bread for my neighbour is a spiritual question.” What does the hunger of others have to do with faith and spiritual life?
Challenge
How can we follow Jesus’ command to feed the poor, in a way that both safeguards the dignity of those who receive help and strengthens their ability to feed themselves?
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, you are the bread of life. Break the yoke of injustice. The earth is yours. Teach us to cultivate it with wisdom and care. Help us to share our daily bread. We commit everything and everyone, into your hands, Lord. Amen.