When his already horrific diet has been exhausted - ravens no longer bring meat and bread crumbs and the water in the stream is only a trickle, Elijah, God's mal-nutritioned trainee spokesperson, begs a widow to share with him the resources she has intended to be the last meal for herself and her son.

But God's loving kindness towards his poor ones never runs out. The jug of oil and the jar of flour last and last. God favours the poor! The poor look out for one another especially in difficult situations.

Jesus teaches his disciples to be salt and light, to bring out the taste of food and light up others' lives. They are not to be the main dish or a flash light, but to be of use to the world in small but sure ways; and never to run out of shape but to be ready whenever called to serve.

Christian service must encompass the well-being of the individual as well as the wider community.