Justice for the Hungry
Michael S. Clarke of Clay Cross, England, UK
I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. I will thank you forever, because of what you have done. In the presence of the faithful I will proclaim your name, for it is good. -Psalm 52:8b-9
In Matthew 14, we read about Jesus feeding the 5,000 on a mountainside. We can imagine there were people on that mountainside going through bad times-impoverished, sick, struggling with everyday life. It is the same for us today. Britain has high unemployment, and people find it hard to buy food.
In Clay Cross, our church started a food bank. This ministry recognizes the Worth of All Persons and seeks to Abolish Poverty, End Suffering. It is a great way to help the community, and it brings churches of different denominations together. We collect food from supermarkets and families. We store it in a warehouse we call “The Hub.”
Our food bank is open two times a week: one night at the local Church of England and on Friday afternoon at Community of Christ. When people come to the food bank, we talk to them, listen to their stories, and if they would like, we pray with them.
In the low times in our lives, we may keep concerns bottled up. I learned it is better to talk to someone and share. So, as part of our ministry, we listen. When the food is ready, it is gratifying to see how our personal attention gives our clients a sense of worth.
I pray with people from other denominations at the food bank. We are all committed to the ministry of Jesus Christ. The people at the food bank are like family now. It is wonderful to be in a team of great people who care about people in their community. I needed similar help in the past.
I think Jesus would be happy with the food bank, because when we feed the poor, we feed him. Set the table for justice.
Prayer Phrase
“Led by the Holy Spirit, we work with God and others to restore peace (shalom) to creation” (https://www.cofchrist.org/enduring-principles).
Spiritual Practice
Embodying God’s Shalom
Find a way to express and embody God’s shalom. Begin by prayerfully listening to your longing for peace and wholeness. Become silent and imagine you can hear the groaning of the Earth’s people, nations, and creatures. Prayerfully open yourself to God’s yearning for peace and the divine vision of shalom.
What images, feelings, and words come to you? What prayer for peace comes to you from your time of listening? Speak or write this prayer. What act of justice, kindness, healing, or peacemaking does God invite you to consider this day?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
