April 19.  Hunger and food security are massive problems in our day. This is as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic but equally so as a result of years of corruption and mismanagement at all levels, government as well as private sector and even charities.   However, at the same time a tremendous amount of good has been done over the years to feed the hungry when disasters happen. Every one of the family groups on reading the gospel considered the two aspects; providing food and providing spiritual nourishment. Peter voiced the general opinion, “This two-sided problem is likely to be with us, long after the pandemic is over, probably forever, and we all have to recognize that we are co-reponsible for one another in whatever way we can help.”  

After 5000 men had eaten their fill the disciples of Jesus saw him walking on the sea.  Jesus said to the people who had looked for him, “you seek me not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.   Do not labour for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of man will give to you; for on him has God, the Father, set his seal. John 6:22-29.  Pope Francis: To blame population growth instead of extreme and selective consumerism on the part of some is one way of refusing to face the issues. The planet could not even contain the waste products of such consumption.  We know that approximately a third of all food produced is discarded and wherever food is thrown out it is as if it were stolen from the table of the poor. LS50   Reflect, share, pray.  What is my role in dealing with this need?