Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Ephesians 4:28
“This culture of waste has made us insensitive even to the waste and disposal of food, which is even more despicable when all over the world, unfortunately, many individuals and families are suffering from hunger and malnutrition . . . Once our grandparents were very careful not to throw away any leftover food. Consumerism has led us to become used to an excess and daily waste of food, to which, at times we are no longer able to give a just value . . . Throwing away food is like stealing from the table of the poor and the hungry.”
Pope Francis in his remarks reported on 5 June 2013 by Josephine McKenna in Rome.
The idea that “not sharing our surplus” = “stealing” is both an ancient perspective that can be traced all the way back to the early church fathers and a modern idea promoted by Pope Francis among others. What about you? How has the “culture of waste” adversely shaped your stewardship? Father in Heaven, show us by your Holy Spirit how we can waste less and share more in our giving, living, serving, and loving. Do this I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.