By Adam Wade, Council of Twelve Apostles
…if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday. The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail. Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.
I love freshly baked bread—the smell, the crispness of a flaky crust, the soft, warm fluffiness inside.
Everywhere you go in French Polynesia, baguettes are on the table. Whether it's someone walking out of a small local store in the morning with two breadsticks tucked under their arm, or a little red basket of slices at a food truck table, bread always finds its way into daily life. The act of breaking and sharing this daily bread across a table of fellowship feels both significant and sacred.
What struck me most, though, was learning that the government regulates the price of baguettes to ensure this staple food remains affordable for everyone—even in times of economic hardship. This policy reflects a deep commitment to social equity, recognizing bread’s central role in daily nutrition.
No matter where you go, the cost of a baguette is the same—60 Pacific francs. Regulations specify that each baguette must measure between 50 and 60 centimetres and weigh at least 250 grams. To make this possible, the government provides subsidies for flour and fuel, amounting to around $5 million annually. This practice prioritizes communal well-being over outside influences, reminding everyone that daily bread is not a luxury—it’s a right.
It’s a simple policy, but for me, it’s a profound statement: Everyone matters. Even in places where wealth is unevenly distributed, this one small act is a daily reminder of the common good.
It also moves me to ask, “What is a basic need in my community that I could help provide? Do I have time, skills, or resources that could make something more accessible to others?”
Further: “What would it look like if each of us set aside something small—not because we have to, but because we believe everyone deserves enough?”
Prayer Phrase
“We love because God first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
Sea of Light
Quiet and center yourself. Ask for God’s healing and guidance as you enter this time of prayerful presence. Close your eyes, breathing deeply and calmly. Imagine that you are floating in a beautiful sea of light that rises and falls with each cycle of your breath. The golden light of this sea buoys you up, so you float effortlessly. Waves of light carry and wash over you, bringing wholeness and peace. Rest in the sea of God’s love, then offer a prayer of gratitude.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.