Our daily bread

I usually go grocery shopping on Mondays, my day off. When I went to the local Jewel a few weeks ago, I found myself surrounded by hundreds of shoppers, standing in long lines -- quite strange for a normally quiet Monday. It turns out everyone was stocking up before the much-anticipated blizzard that arrived the next day. When we are fearful, we store up food that will last. It helps us feel secure.

When the Hebrews escaped from bondage in Egypt, God fed them with manna. Each morning, there would be enough of this manna to sustain them for the day. But if they tried to store it -- even overnight -- it would rot and grow worms. Why didn't God give them a Costco-sized portion, to ease their worries?

Because God wanted them to know their safety, their security and their trust cannot be based on earthly things. The daily manna allowed them to turn their trust to God each day. This miraculous food was more than food; it was an opportunity for them to trust in their relationship with God, to sink deep into their souls and know that even in the desert, they would have enough for this one day.

Jesus emphasizes the same kind of trusting relationship, when he teaches us to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread.We live each day by leaning on the unfailing kindness and grace of God, who provides for all our needs . . . one day at a time.

Many of the world's spiritual traditions affirm this truth: All we can ever have is what we are given in this day.

The Koran says: Those who you serve besides God cannot give you your daily bread. Therefore seek your daily bread from God, and worship Him.

In the Buddhist tradition, monks arise each morning, take their robe and begging bowl, and set out to beg from neighbors for their daily bread.

In the Hindu tradition, believers put their faith in God's providence. One follower states: "We should rest assured that God will give us every day our daily bread, meaning everything that we require."

Give thanks that we have enough for each day. Let go of whatever fears you carry. Allow your soul to soften, to be open to the ridiculous possibility that God will provide whatever you need . . . even our daily bread.