Introduction
The beginning of Lent coincides with Fairtrade Fortnight, a double challenge to the way we think about food. Jesus is tempted to turn stones into bread, and this is the first sign of the importance of food in his teaching. But bread is never just bread. Our attitude to food very much reflects our attitude to other people.
Context
We are half way through Fairtrade Fortnight, which is always a challenge to our own attitudes to the goods we buy. I love a bargain, but I need to remember that the bargain I relish can be someone else’s hardship. Fairtrade has hovered at the edge of my consciousness for a long time, but I haven’t always let it influence my shopping. I remember the little shop that opened in Durham in 1979, next to St John’s College. And I now live one mile away from the headquarters of Traidcraft.
This year, Fairtrade Fortnight comes at a time when prices in the supermarket are rising, and portion sizes are being reduced in a phenomenon dubbed ‘shrinkflation’. This is of particular anxiety to those on low incomes. It is not easy for those on low incomes to pay a premium to buy fairly-traded products, especially when prices are rising.
In Lent, we often trivialise the temptations around food in terms of giving up chocolate, treats and alcohol. But there are many real temptations to do with food: eating more than we need; eating as a substitute for comfort; eating food which is not fairly-traded; eating food where those preparing and serving it are not paid a living wage. Fasting is an important spiritual discipline that helps us develop a proper approach to our appetites.
Reflection
One theme in the Gospel passage is power: it contrasts the power of evil with the power of God. The power of evil is controlling and disempowers those who are being controlled. It fails to treat people as human beings and takes away dignity. It treats people as means to serve the purposes of the one wielding the power. The power of evil is about putting my needs, my agenda, my welfare first, and expecting others – sometimes forcing others – to serve those ends. On the other hand, the power of God operates through love. It is compassionate. It speaks the truth It seeks and brings about peace.
Power is also at the heart of the issue of fair trade. Those with economic power exploit the producers by paying as little as they can get away with, which means that the producers do not have enough even to cover the basics: their own food, shelter, clothes, education.
The first temptation is about food. Jesus is tempted to solve the problem of his own hunger by turning stones into bread. In our day, the temptation might be to solve the problem of our own hunger by making others hungry (i.e. by not paying enough to let them thrive). The food theme continues throughout the Gospel. The petition in the Lord’s Prayer, ‘give us today our daily bread’ can be interpreted as a prayer for bread without ceasing, for an end to the anxiety about having enough to eat tomorrow (see Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes, Kenneth E Bailey, IVP 2009).
In the ‘multiplication’ miracles (Matthew 14.13-21; 15.32-39) Jesus feeds thousands of people. And he tells parables about the kingdom of heaven being like a banquet, with plenty of food. To cap it all, he offers his disciples bread and wine at the Last Supper, and invites them to remember him by doing this. Jesus himself becomes the bread. Each of these stories can say something about our relationship to each other in Christ through food.
Another theme of this week’s Gospel passage is about relying on one’s own actions to achieve results, rather than trusting in God.
The second temptation is to do something spectacular, to make everyone take notice. It would have been an action that pointed to self and not to God.
The third temptation is to create the kingdom of heaven within the kingdoms of the world, using worldly power to promote God’s kingdom. There have been many times in history when the relationship between faith and the state has been unhealthy, so that the church ends up serving the power of the state.
Prayer
A Prayer of confession
When our brothers and sisters are exploited,
and we enjoy the fruits of their suffering:
lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
When we turn our gaze away
from those who are struggling:
lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
When we think the ends justify the means
and we let our standards slip:
lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
When we trust in our own ability to make good things happen
and leave you out:
lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
When we expect the power of princes and presidents
to solve the problems of the world:
lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Questions
- What is the history of your engagement with fair trade? How do you feel about it now?
- What Lenten disciplines would help us address the many temptations around food more seriously?
Action
Review the use of fairly traded goods in your home or in your church – the Fairtrade website is a good place to start
There was a big drive to create Fairtrade Churches some 15-20 years ago. For some churches, this was about serving only fairly-traded tea and coffee. Others kept a Fairtrade stall at church, selling a range of goods. But in many places, this has slipped. And more fairly traded goods are available now – can you incorporate any of these into your fair trade commitment?
You might consider giving information about Fairtrade Gold to couples coming to book weddings, and encourage them to have wedding rings made with ethical gold.
Young people
You have probably come across ‘Real Easter Eggs’ made by the Meaningful Chocolate Company. They are made from fairly traded chocolate – the only Fairtrade Easter Eggs in the UK. They also come with the story of Easter – another unique feature. Get a few friends together and put in an order. If you order by Monday 6 March, you can get free delivery.
Meg Gilley is an Anglican parish priest in Gateshead. She tweets at MegGilley1, and blogs sporadically at ramblingrectorbensham.wordpress.com
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