Thoughts for the Day

The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the decrees of the Lord are sure,
making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear,
enlightening the eyes....

More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey,
and drippings of the honeycomb.

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Standard Revised Version)

Thoughts

Whether we look at the Hebrew Scriptures or the New Testament we are constantly reminded that God wants us to obey His laws - and that these laws are perfect and to be desired above all things. We are to love God and to love others, and there is always a special emphasis on the poor, not just in our own community, but around the world.

This week in Wales our Lectionary reminds us that we start 'Fairtrade fortnight'. When we choose to buy anything with the Fairtrade sign on it we are choosing to give fairer pay, and more power into the hands of farmers around the world. They can build a fairer future for their community, making sure that standards of living improve and children get an education. Fairtrade ensures the money goes to the producers, rather than to middle-men, allowing them to choose what they spend on their community or business.

Fairtrade is 50 percent owned by farmers and workers; they can join unions; work in safer conditions; and men and women have the chance to have their voices heard. Rosine Bekoin, a cocoa farmer in Cote d'Ivoire says 'Fairtrade has enabled us to do many things...to advance our children ... and to build for the future'. If you have never bought Fairtrade items, look for coffee, chocolate or bananas as a starter in your supermarket.

Lord God,
help us to remember that You
call us to care for all who are poor,
not just those who are in our own community.
We pray today for all who work to
improve standards of living for the poor
and especially for the work of Fairtrade.
Amen.