As we look at this Sunday's Gospel with the image of God as a shepherd, we are reminded that freedom from want is also one of the foremost promises of the Bible. I guess one might expect such a slip from small school children who sometimes learn by rote memory and then speak without thinking what the words mean. Then again many children would probably admit to wanting freedom from speeches and freedom from worship. What we need and what we want are not always the same. It should be noted that freedom from want refers to a freedom from lacking those things necessary for sustaining life in a least minimum comfort.
People usually know when they are lacking the most basic necessities.
When they are hungry, they know they need something to eat. When they are thirsty, they know they need something to drink. When they are sick, lonely or in prison, they know they need comfort and company. When they are unprotected from the weather, they know they need clothing and shelter. On the other hand, they don't always know exactly what they need even in these basics.