Join with churches, Christian organizations and people of faith around the world in prayer and fasting on Ash Wednesday, 17 February. and to reflect on our own consumption and commit to doing what we can to overcome hunger and contribute to global food security.
Ash Wednesday is a day of repentance and it marks the beginning of Lent. Ashes were used in ancient times, according to the Bible, to express mourning. Dusting oneself with ashes was the penitent's way of expressing sorrow for sins and faults. Take this day to “Fast for Life” and to reflect on our own consumption and commit to doing what we can to contribute to global food security.
More than one billion people are suffering from hunger around the world. Despite the goodness and bounty of God’s gifts to us in creation, so many people experience scarcity: famine, hunger, deprivation and want. At the same time, there are people in all parts of the world who suffer the effects of “too much”: too much salt, sugar, fat, calories. These are all dimensions of the unsustainable consumption of food. Our individual decisions, as well as collective ones, have increased the divide between the haves and the have nots. As a global society, our sense of balance and right relations is further strained.
Fast for Life! Ash Wednesday: What Can I do?
There are many resources and ideas to assist those participating in the Day of Fasting for Life. These include prayers, bible studies, reflection questions and action ideas.
Worship
Your church, women’s group, prayer circle, club or school is encouraged to join people from all over the world in prayer during Ash Wednesday. Plan bible studies and group prayers for the day or hold a special order of worship service. If your church is developing worship materials for Ash Wednesday please send them to us to share with others.
Action Ideas?
Join by taking either individual or collective action on 17 February:
i) Fast from food as a symbolic gesture in solidarity with people living with hunger.
ii) Fast from fossil fuels by parking your car and walk, ride a bike, or take public transport to help reduce greenhouse gases.
iii) Fast from over-consumption Household Food and Drink Waste in the UK, WRAP, 2009 by leaving your wallet at home and commit to ‘buy nothing ‘on 17 February.
iv) Organize a worship service on Ash Wednesday to reflect on the inequalities that allow for hunger and over-consumption in this world.
v) Share your resources on food consumption, reflections and prayers on Facebook on the Food for Life Campaign – Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance page
or let us know of your activities by sending an email to amunzara@who-needs-spam.e-alliance.ch
For more ideas, see our resources for the Day for Fast for Life
