Week Two

Harvests of Hope

When we work the land we can make choices that work with it or against it.

In the last hundred years we have made phenomenal leaps in productivity, producing enormous amounts of food to feed millions of people. But sometimes this has been done at the cost of the land itself causing degradation, habitat loss and pollution.

Our response to issues of sustainability is not a lifestyle choice that’s tacked on to the end of our faith, like choosing a nice hessian tote instead of a plastic bag, but a beating question at the heart of it.

If we believe we have been entrusted with a beautiful world and that we owe it to others to feed and care for them - that we have a responsibility for one another beyond borders and continents - then sustainability is crucial.

As grim as the ecological picture can look sometimes we want to sow in hope as a people of hope who wish not to reap in bitterness, but reap in joy.

SEEDS TO SOW: WHERE CAN WE DIRECTLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN CARING FOR OUR PLANET THIS WEEK? *

Read Genesis 32: 22-31

Wrestling for answers.

When we face the mounting challenges of extreme weather events, conflict and growing inequality it can be an instinctive action to turn away — from the news, from the problem, from God. But like Jacob, we may learn more by coming to God face to face and refusing to let go…

How of you think Jacob felt as he limped away? What was his mental state like?

Read Micah 6: 9-16

Considering the consequences of an uncaring, and acquisitive culture.

This reading about injustice and dishonesty and a sowing without reaping echo uncomfortably for us today.

How do these ancient words connect to contemporary events?

Read Matthew 14: 13-21

Two solutions.

The disciples suggest that the crowd disperse, spread out, forage. Jesus instead invites them to stay, to get closer together, to share.

What can we learn from this contrast and is there any way we can apply that to how we produce enough food for our world?

* SEEDS TO SOW: These are open-ended and optional prompts and are designed for people wanting to develop their own resources in response to the themes. Perhaps if you are using this material as a group you could use these prompts to inspire a time of prayer, or drawing, or creative writing? They are a short and sweet, simply a starting off place for you and your imagination. Tailor and develop as suits your group.