One of the first controversies within the early church was about food—Greek-speaking believers accused Hebrew-speaking believers of being unfair (or at least inconsistent) in the daily distribution of food. How did the leaders of the church respond to the “injustice”? (Note that they did not deny the charges!). Commentators point out that those selected for the task had Greek names—probably indicating that they were among the Greek-speaking believers. What might we learn from the church’s response about how to work toward food justice for those who live with chronic hunger?
Category: 2013 – Fasting For Feasting
Day 20 – March 7
Exodus 23:10-11; Proverbs 13:23
In another example of public policy, God prohibited sowing crops every seventh year—the Sabbatical Year. Whatever grew voluntarily on the fields was intended to be food for the poor and the wild animals. Yet, the writer of Proverbs observed that the poor seldom received the food. He observed, “injustice sweeps it away.” People often express the assumption that people are poor (and hungry) because they are lazy, unwilling to work, immoral or unspiritual. Proverbs 13:23 challenges that assumption. What do you think “injustice” looked like in those days? What is an example of “food injustice” today?
For thought… In Chicago, it is legal to raise chickens on your property. Some organizations have trained people in poor communities to raise chickens for eggs and meat. It sounds like a great idea, but as communities gentrify and become wealthier, there is increased pressure to make chickens illegal due to noise, sanitation, etc. So far, attempts to ban chickens in Chicago have been unsuccessful, but opponents to chickens are still pushing. Unfortunately, other cities have cracked down by changing their zoning laws, limiting chickens only to large parcels of property, effectively making it impossible for most residents to own a chicken. Is this an example of “food injustice”? Why or why not?
We have reached the half way point in Lent. How has your relationship to food changed over the past 20 days? What opportunities have you had to share your food?
Day 19 – March 6
Paul identified one of the traits of those opposed to Christ as having made their stomach their god. Yesterday, we read about Esau. Do you think his stomach was his god? Why or why not? How would you know if you had made a god of your stomach? Excessive eating? Excessive dieting? Over-emphasis on weight and body image?
For thought… According to the Boston Medical Center, 45 million Americans go on some form of diet every year, spending $33 billion on weight loss products. At any given time, 1 in 3 women are on a diet. Losing weight is the #1 New Year’s resolution. Yet, only about 5% are successful at keeping off any weight they lose. Why do you think we are obsessed with weight? What does this obsession say about our culture’s relationship to food? What step could you take to “de-idolize” weight loss.
Day 18 – March 5
Have you ever said, “God, I’m starving!”? What were the circumstances? In a moment of intense hunger, Esau handed over his birthright for a bowl of soup from his conniving brother. What does that tell you about Esau’s relationship to food?
Lots of people have an unhealthy relationship to food. We are familiar with extreme disorders like bulimia (purging after overeating) and anorexia (self-starvation due to distorted body image), but we can also use food as comfort, to fill voids in our lives, handle stress or to reward ourselves. How would you describe your relationship to food? If food tends to control you, what step might help you to take back control?
Some of you have successfully moved toward a more balanced and healthy relationship to food. What helped you be successful? Consider sharing your tips to help others.
Day 17 – March 4
A definition of “gluttony” is the act of eating or drinking excessively. Can you think of situations where you have observed (or participated in) gluttony? Over-eating is a regular practice for many Americans. Some restaurants are built on the premise of excess, offering “all-you-can-eat” buffets. Why do you think we are compelled to eat more than we need?
Our stomachs are equipped with sensors that send a message to our brains that we have had enough. Interestingly, if we eat too fast, the sensors do not activate and the brain never registers that we are full. Also, the sensors do not detect fats and sugars in the same way as other foods, so we do not feel full when even after eating a whole bag of potato chips. Americans tend to eat on the run. What could you do to slow down when you eat?
Day 16 – March 2-3
What is the relationship of the early church to food and food distribution? Why do you think “breaking bread” is so foundational to living their faith? What is their attitude as they share their food together? How are the dynamics of eating together different from simply giving someone food? How does the early church mirror the Kingdom visions of Isaiah and Ezekiel?
If eating together is so important to the life of faith, what step will you take this weekend to practice this discipline? Consider inviting someone to your house for dinner or have a potluck meal after church with several families. If it’s too late for this weekend, set it up for next week.
Day 15 – March 1, 2013
What do you think motivates Jesus to feed the crowds? How does Jesus’ action mirror the Kingdom as envisioned by Isaiah and Ezekiel? What is Jesus’ role in the feeding miracles? What is the role of Jesus’ disciples in each story? What do the baskets full of leftovers imply about food in God’s Kingdom?
Many have said that we do not have a food production problem, but a food distribution problem. There are many people who live in places far from access to food. These places have become known as “food deserts.” The US Department of Agriculture defines a food desert “as a low-income census tract where a substantial number or share of residents has low access to a supermarket or large grocery store.” To qualify as a “low-income community,” a census tract must have either: 1) a poverty rate of 20 percent or higher, OR 2) a median family income at or below 80 percent of the census tract’s median family income; To qualify as a “low-access community,” at least 500 people and/or at least 33 percent of the census tract’s population must reside more than one mile from a supermarket or large grocery store (for rural census tracts, the distance is more than 10 miles).
Are there food deserts anywhere near you? Why do you think food deserts exist? What is your community doing to address the issue of food access? To see a map of food deserts in America, go to http://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-desert-locator.aspx
Day 14 – February 28
The temple is always a symbol of God’s dwelling place among humanity. Water is often a symbol of life. What then does it mean that water is coming out of the temple? As the water flows, what happens? The ultimate result is food (in abundance) and healing. If Ezekiel is painting a picture of the Kingdom of God, what statements could we make about the overall condition of creation, food and human well-being? Compare Ezekiel’s vision with Isaiah’s vision (see Day 13). How are they similar? How are they different?
Day 13 – February 27
For whom is God preparing this amazing feast? Do you think this is a one-time meal or on-going food supply? What in the texts leads you to your conclusion? What, if any, conditions are placed on who receives the food? Why do you think Isaiah emphasizes food quality as well as food quantity? Think about what food you tend to share with the hungry. Do you consider both quality and quantity, or are you more likely to just consider the cost?
Local food pantries are an important component in the distribution of food of people who are poor and hungry. Have you ever gone to a food pantry? Contributed food to one? Where do you think the food comes from? What is the quality of the food people receive? Do people have access to fresh fruit and vegetables? How could the quality be improved? What could you do to improve the quality?
The Greater Chicago Food Depository is a primary source of food for soup kitchens, food pantries and other emergency food distributors. Link to their web site to find out more about their important work throughout Cook County, IL. If you live outside of Chicago, what organizations are working to end hunger near you?
Day 12 – February 26
As an immigrant, Ruth had limited resources and options so she decided to “glean” for food. As you read the text, what attitudes do you think people had about gleaners? What dangers do you see implied in the text? What actions does Boaz take to ensure that Ruth receives enough food for her and her mother-in-law? What do you think motivated his actions?
What options do families have today if they are hungry? Some people resort to dumpster-diving outside of restaurants and grocery stores or they visit food pantries on a regular basis. What attitudes do you have toward today’s gleaners? What dangers do today’s gleaners face? How could you be a Boaz in someone’s life during Lent and beyond?
Tongue on Fire 