‘‘If you do away with the clenched fist, the wicked word, if you give your bread to the hungry, relief to the oppressed, your light will rise in the darkness.’
(see Isaiah 58:9-14)
There is a growing number of Foodbanks in the UK. We hear so much about those who struggle with food poverty or of parents who go without food so that their children can eat. Many have to make the decision to ‘heat or eat.’ Responding to this need, churches and so many others of different backgrounds and religions give freely of their time, resources and energy to respond to the needs of those in crisis, to those who are experiencing dark and difficult times.
Food is a basic necessity of life but sometimes, for so many different reasons, there are people in our country who go hungry, and there are as many different stories to tell as there are people who access Foodbanks. Many may feel a sense of embarrassment at visiting a Foodbank but, in truth, their experience could so easily be our experience. Or perhaps you, at some point, may have received from the generosity of others as you experienced the need for help.
From the time of Isaiah to the time of Jesus and in every generation since then, we are called to feed the hungry and do away with the wicked words. We are called to offer support and encouragement to all who struggle, with no judgement. When we so this, our light will rise in the darkness.
PRAY FOR those who volunteer in Foodbanks throughout the UK and those who visit them with whatever needs they present
Our daily reflections for Lent focus on the many injustices which exist in our world, as we seek to connect our life of prayer to social justice the Justice of God which Christ proclaimed. More resources are available at www.southcardiffministryarea.co.uk/just-lent
South Cardiff Ministry Area 