The light of the Lord shall rise for you if you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted. According to the Matthean portrayal of the Last Judgment (cf. Matthew 25:31ff), one of the deeds of mercy that will form the criterion of judgment is feeding the hungry. Hunger is undesired by God and one who perpetuates hunger commits a sin before God. The hungry, as are those who have been unjustly deprived of their basic needs, are so near to God's heart that any mistreatment of them is taken by God to be very personal. In the Middle Ages, the hungry had a right to be fed, and those seeking for alms were never to be turned away. St. Francis of Assisi, one of the Church’s popular and beloved saints, saw hunger as a sin against God who provides for God's created beings (since hunger arises when an individual tries to accumulate more than what is allotted him/her by God the provider). St. Francis 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 upon ourselves feeding of the hungry as part of our Lenten practice of Almsgiving. God desires that each and every one should have enough, and our sharing with those who do not have enough is an indication on our part that we share in God's desire. When we share our food with those who are hungry, we not only participate in God’s continued care over God’s creation but we also recognize God as the giver of all good things. He/she who shares his/her food with the hungry renders thanks to God.