The light of the Lord shall rise for you if you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted. Feeding the hungry is one of the criteria that will be used on the judgment day (cf. Matthew 25:31ff). Hunger is undesired by God and one who perpetuates hunger commits a sin before God. The hungry are so near to God's heart that any mistreatment of the hungry is taken by God to be very personal. In the middle ages, the hungry had a right to be fed, and beggars were never turned away. St. Francis of Assisi saw hunger as a sin against God who provides for God's created beings. For hunger arises when some try to accumulate more than is allotted them by God the provider. He reasoned that God has provided enough food for the satisfaction of all creatures-if only each would take what is enough for him/her.
Feeding the hungry is one of the corporal works of mercy as taught by the Church. When we share our bread with the hungry, we extend to them the merciful favor of God who is merciful enough to provide for us. During this season of Lent, we take up feeding the hungry as part of our Lenten practices. God desires that each and every one has enough, and our sharing with those who do not have enough is an indication on our part that we share in God's desire. We share our food in thanksgiving to God.