October 18 – World Food Sunday: Bread of Life

One of the essential texts of the Christian faith is that of Jesus feeding the multitudes. You probably know the story. There are crowds – thousands of people – gathered on a hillside. Jesus has been teaching all day. His disciples tell him to send the people away to get food, but Jesus will not have it. “You feed them,” he tells his friends. Suddenly, five loaves of bread and two fish are enough to feed everyone, with leftovers besides.

It is obvious where Jesus stands on feeding people. No-one goes hungry on his watch.

But these days? Poverty is worsening. Healthy food costs an arm and a leg. Food banks, meant to be a temporary measure years ago, are becoming overwhelmed.

But is there actually a lack of food, or just the income to purchase it? If you’re interested in some startling statistics on food insecurity in Grey and Bruce Counties, as well as what it will take to eradicate food insecurity, take a look at this well-researched report: https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Your-Health/Eating-Well/Food-Affordability-and-Food-Insecurity

In the meantime, read Matthew 14:13-21 and ponder the following:

1.       What do you think Jesus would have to say about our current state of food insecurity?

2.       How do you explain the miracle of the five loaves and two fish?

Image: “Bread for the Life of the World,” John August Swanson, https://www.johnaugustswanson.com/