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Food – like water – is essential for life and a sign of our relationship with creation and the Creator. In a way, the story of God’s relationship with God’s people is a story about food – both physical and spiritual. In the beginning, God plants a rich garden of foods. Of course, the first sin involves eating a forbidden food. What is the final act of Hebrews as they leave slavery in Egypt? A meal. The focus of many laws for God’s people? Food. What do Jesus and the twelve disciples do the last time they are together? Share food. God’s promise in Revelation? Plenty of food.

Food as “daily bread for the health of the world” demands of us, people of faith, responsible stewardship of the gifts we have received in creation. It calls to us, out of our faith, to understand food for what it is, namely a sign of our dependence and interdependence, the “stuff” that unites us with loved ones around a table and as neighbors around the world.

This message is excerpted from “Faithful eating” by Ryan P. Cumming in the March/April 2024 Gather magazine.