It was a few years ago when I first encountered the term ”food insecurity”. It was obvious from the beginning what was being described. The fear that is experienced when there is no certainty about where the next meal is coming from can be devastating for any individual or family. In a world of excess the idea that there are hungry people around us is very upsetting. We would literally like to set another place at our table, especially for the hungry child. There are other needs which human beings experience, but it is hard to feed the soul when the belly is empty. Sharing food is one of the most basic of human experiences. One preschooler that I met made sure everyone knew “My mommy is a good cooker!” In this Advent season, when we think of the arrival of one we call “the Bread of Life”, we are especially concerned that others in our world have the bread they need for life. We pass our Christmas baskets to brighten the celebration of Jesus’ birth, but we also take regular hunger offerings so that the rest of the year is not forgotten. We delight in the heavenly manna that comes down to us, but we also acknowledge the earthly crusty loaves which mark our daily bread. Give us today our daily bread that we may give daily bread to all those in need of sustenance for body, mind and spirit.