Sunday, October 16 was the United Nations’ World Food Day.
This year the theme was ‘Leave NO ONE behind.’
We’re told that our planet produces enough food to feed everyone, yet millions of people are facing malnutrition…or even starvation.
Even in our own country, food banks are busier than ever before and many people are facing a choice between heating and eating.
At harvest services in recent weeks, churchgoers have had the opportunity to show their gratitude for the food on their table by bringing in tins and packets to be distributed by community groups.
It’s a small gesture which might, perhaps, prompt us to a wider concern.
After all, Jesus taught that, along with loving God, true religion was about ‘loving your neighbour as you love yourself.’
In the story we know as the parable of the Good Samaritan, he made clear that loving our neighbour is about responding with generosity and compassion to those in need.
In this case, loving our neighbour might be about finding out what local initiatives there are to help those who are hungry and supporting them.
It might be about responding, as we are able, to an international appeal for food aid.
At its truest and best, loving our neighbour is about praying and working towards a world in which nobody is left behind.
The Revd Ann Cogle is a curate at Reading Minster, writing on behalf of Churches Together in the Centre of Reading
