The 40 Day Journey
“How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” 1 John 3:17-18
“When people were hungry, Jesus didn’t say, ‘Now is that political, or social?’ He said, ‘I feed you.’ Because the good news to a hungry person is bread.” – Desmond Tutu
“Hunger is not an issue of charity. It is an issue of justice.” – Jacques Diouf, Food and Agricultural Organization Director-general
“The lessons of the nation’s past tell us that liberty and justice cannot be secured for ourselves and kept from others without turning sour. Because we have cherished liberty for others, this country has sacrificed enormously (if not always wisely) in lives and material resources. We have not cherished justice as much. But justice and equality are no less a part of the nation’s ideals, and we build on them by exercising them in our relationship with others. When we are rich and others are hungry or impoverished beyond description, justice calls for ending this imbalance.” – Art Simon, Founder – Bread for the World
Questions for Reflection
1. When was the last time you missed a meal? Have you ever missed more than one in a row? Have you ever known food insecurity?
2. What is your family’s food budget for the week? For the month?
3. What does hunger have to do with food justice?
4. Based on our understanding of Christian values, how should we respond to the issue of hunger and poverty in our community, region, or nation?
Food Justice Challenge
This week, spend one day trying to feed your family for $1.50 per person, per meal.
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In addition to being the founder and editor-in-chief of the “40 Days for Food Justice Project”, the Rev. MargaretAnne Overstreet is a Presbyterian pastor and food justice advocate. When not preaching, teaching or writing, she likes hiking with her dogs and growing things in her garden. Find out more about her (including why she preaches with bare feet) at www.AnInBetweenPlace.us
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