Fair Trade Lent Resources 2022
Here are some great Fair Trade Lent resources, devised by our friends at Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand.
These Resources are based on the Revised Common Lectionary used by many Churches around the world. The Bible passage links are to the Lectionary page of the Anglican Church.
First Sunday of Lent 2022
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Romans 10:8b-13
Luke 4:1-13
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
The Temptations of Jesus. Luke 4:1-13
All four Gospels record the Temptations of Jesus. In the wilderness, Jesus was tempted without succumbing and then he was free to commence his ministry.
Before we look at the three Temptations of Jesus in Luke 4. we notice that during the Temptations Jesus had a constant companion. In verse one we read ‘Jesus returned from the Jordan full of the Holy Spirit and was led by the Holy Spirit into the desert.’
For Christ and for us it is good to remember that in the midst of the most severe temptation the Holy Spirit is present.
Three temptations: Stones into bread. Power over the whole world and the wealth that goes with that. And a spectacular Bungie jump from the temple with angels as the elastic rope.
Three temptations. 1. The satisfying of hunger. 2. Domination over the whole world. Global government. 3. A spectacular headline grabber.
And Jesus said No! No! No!
It is great that Jesus was not led astray by the Temptation. The writer to the Hebrews could say:
Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:14,15 NRSV)
There are many forms of temptation which we are called to resist.
Subtle amongst these and probably not often considered might be the temptation to take the cheapest and easiest option when buying products such as tea, coffee, chocolate, or clothing.
Temptation away from Fair Trade. We may be aware of the importance of Fair Trade, how it helps people with a decent wage and working conditions, free of slavery and ensuring general equality and caring for the environment, but sometimes it might be too hard. We must hunt on the supermarket shelves, or even go to another store for the Fair Trade basics: tea, coffee, chocolate. We must search through various Ethical shopping or fashion guides to find the clothes produced according to the 10 Principles of Fair Trade, even then it is difficult.
I think the biggest temptation in Fair Trade is to give up. It’s too hard …
As we commence Lent, many people will give up something. Here’s a suggestion. How about giving up non Fair Trade products, and switch to Fair Trade. That way you can keep consuming chocolate or coffee, with an easy conscience and with the satisfaction of the knowledge that you are supporting producers in distant places towards a healthy sustainable lifestyle.
Now is the time to look beyond Lent for Fair Trade chocolate Easter eggs for Easter Day.
Prayer
Loving and forgiving God,
We thank you that Jesus, although severely tempted did not give in.
Help us to resist temptation in all areas of life;
Help us to resist the temptations that may pull us from what we know to be just and fair for the workers of the world in order to make life easier for us.
Thank you Lord,
Amen.
