Hispanic Heritage Month Devotional
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me … ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’” (Matthew 25: 35, 40)
Devotional Reflection
This familiar passage in the Gospel of Matthew is known in some biblical translations as “The Judgement of the Nations.”
Jesus’ teaching highlights that we will be judged as a nation by the way we care for the most vulnerable members of our community. The vulnerable today are the people struggling with hunger and poverty across the world. It also includes immigrants, refugees, and their families, fleeing from the horror of war, gang violence, extreme poverty, fragile governments, or the effects of climate change. All we have to do is read a newspaper or turn on the TV to witness the plight of these men, women, and children.
In the book of Esther, we find the story of an unlikely advocate, Queen Esther, who was persuaded to risk her own position of privilege to save her people from destruction (Esther 4). As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we can do as Esther, and meet the challenges before us by speaking truth to power.
Esther’s uncle reminded her that she could not remain neutral. Action was needed, and she could use her position of influence to change the fate of her people. We cannot be silent in this challenging time. Today, we can advocate together, with an Offering of Letters, urging Congress to develop a federal budget that serves the common good and offers help and opportunity for all people—especially those struggling to put food on the table.
Prayer:
O Righteous God:
We ask that you open our ears to hear your Word, speaking through the voices of the prophets and apostles to care “the least of these.”
Set our hearts on fire with your Holy Spirit, so our advocacy sow seeds that might work to eliminate the scandal of hunger.
Open the eyes of our lawmakers that they may see the deepest needs of millions of children, women, and men who will suffer adversely if no provision is made for them.
Move Congress to enact laws for the common good, that will please you and create the sort of community that reflect the values of your kingdom. Amen.
Jesus’ teaching highlights that we will be judged as a nation by the way we care for the most vulnerable members of our community.
Tools
from our Resource Library
For Education
U.S. Hunger and Poverty State Fact Sheets
These fact sheets provide a snapshot of hunger and poverty in the United States and in each state plus Washington, D.C.
Fact Sheet: Hunger and Poverty in Puerto Rico
Even before Hurricanes Irma and Maria struck Puerto Rico, hunger and food insecurity were much more common among Puerto Ricans than among their fellow U.S. citizens in the 50 states.
Before...
Fact Sheet: Fortified for Life. How the U.S. Government Supports Global Nutrition.
Good nutrition is a critical part of ensuring that all human beings can use their bodies and minds to live an active life and reach their full potential.
For Faith
Unity Declaration on Racism and Poverty
A diverse body of Christian leaders calls on the churches and Congress to focus on the integral connection.
Dear Members of Congress,
As the president and Congress are preparing their plans for this year, almost 100 church leaders—from all the families of U.S. Christianity—are...
In Times Like These … A Pan-African Christian Devotional for Public Policy Engagement
This devotional guide invites deepened relationship with and among Pan-African people and elected leaders in the mission to end hunger and poverty.
Sermon by David Beckmann at Duke University Chapel
Remarks delivered October 1, 2017 at Duke University Chapel in Chapel Hill in North Carolina.
Thank you for inviting me to preach here at Duke University Chapel. And I especially want to thank the Bread for the World members who have come this morning.
Bruce Puckett urged...
For Advocacy
U.S. Hunger and Poverty State Fact Sheets
These fact sheets provide a snapshot of hunger and poverty in the United States and in each state plus Washington, D.C.
Fact Sheet: Hunger by the Numbers
In 2017, 11.8 percent of households in the U.S.—40 million people—were food-insecure, meaning that they were unsure at some point during the year about how they would provide for their next meal.
Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2017
Unnecessarily long prison sentences, combined with the lack of rehabilitative programs for people in prison, exacerbate hunger, poverty, and existing inequalities.
Overly harsh mandatory minimum prison sentences have contributed to the rapid increase of our country’s prison population. The...