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May 2-9, 2007

Oregon governor spends week on
food stamps

Warm-up Question:

Who do you say ‘I love you,’ to, and why?

 

This week, things will be different for Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski and his wife, attorney Mary Oberst. As a part of Hunger Awareness Week, the governor and his wife are going to live on $21 each. They’ll spend just $3 each a day on their meals.

Kulongoski knows it won’t be easy, but he is lobbying Congress against proposed cuts in the food stamp program. ‘We’ve been reducing the money and eligibility rolls for food stamps.’

While some changes proposed by the Bush administration are hailed by hunger advocates, Governor Kulongoski hopes that he will bring enough attention to the issues of hunger to save or increase funding for people and families who live in poverty.

Those who have done the challenge have experienced a wide variety of emotions. Normal luxuries like coffee with friends or a slice of pizza become unaffordable luxuries. Senator Jonathan Harris, D-West Hartford, finished three weeks on food stamps and said it reminded him of his blessings. Harris indicated that his experience has helped him in making public policy.

Oregon had the country’s highest hunger rate in 2000. Kulongoski’s support and advocacy is notable because of the time of year in which it comes; often, people only focus on hunger during the holidays.

 

Discussion Questions

  1. Do you think Governor Kulongoski’s week on food stamps is sincere or more of a publicity stunt? Why? Why not?
  2. Should politicians, celebrities, and sports stars use their position to bring attention to the plights of others? If they do not mention their faith, does their action still reflect God’s love and mission? Why? Why not? If not faith, what might be motivating them to care for others?
  3. What is a need in your community or city that you feel has not been addressed adequately or is being ignored? How can you bring it to the attention of others?
  4. What better defines our love for others, our actions or our words? Why? Give an example of how you have shared God’s love with someone you did not know? Someone you do know?

Scripture Texts (NRSV) for Sunday, May 6, 2007.
(Text links are to oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year C at Lectionary Readings.)

Acts 11:1-18
Psalm 148
Revelation 21:1-6
John 13:31-35

For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.

Gospel Reflection
The Gospel lesson seems to be a reflection of real life. As loving beings and faithful followers of Christ, we have to look at each of the stories before and after the Gospel today to understand the reality of Christ’s command to love one another. Just moments before Christ issues the new commandment he names his betrayer and sends Judas Iscariot away from the group. Just moments after, he foretells of Peter’s denial.

In our human nature, we might be more inclined to respond to Jesus with anger and frustration. In the midst of our Gospel is a message of love and hope. Jesus says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” This is a defining moment for the disciples and for us. We experience betrayal in the sins we commit against one another and God. Conflict occurs in most families, friendships, and relationships.

In the middle of that conflict, no matter how angry or frustrated we might be, Christ issues the new commandment: love one another, just as God loves us. How do we show that love? In John 14:12 we read, “Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do.”

Governor Kulongoski and his wife have brought the attention of the media to the plight of the poor, specifically those on food stamps. By doing so, he hopes to raise awareness and prevent government cuts to those in need. While some might consider this part of his job or a publicity stunt, it is also an act of love for others.

What are you and I called to do?

Discussion Questions

(A brief discussion on confidentiality and boundaries is always in order.)

  1. Have you experienced the betrayal of a friend? What was your reaction? How did you mend the relationship? If you haven’t, why not?
  2. Christ enters all broken relationships with a message of hope and the fullness of his love. Is it possible to share God’s love with someone who has betrayed us? How? Why? What do you do if you still have to interact with that person?
  3. What do you consider unjust in our world, or on a smaller basis, in your community? How can you address the issue?
  4. The words “I love you” are sometimes uncomfortable to speak. Who did you last speak these words to? Should you or could you say them more often as a reflection of your faith and God’s love for us? What stands in the way of doing so more frequently (if anything)?

Activity Suggestions

  • Give each participant a notepad or paper to write on. Place a bowl or large cup for each person in the middle of the room with their name on it. Take 5-10 minutes and have each person complete this sentence anonymously (one for each cup): I love you because… Place a personal note in each person’s cup. The exercise might be uncomfortable, but it lends itself to uplifting of one another.
     
  • Sing “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,” #315 in the green Lutheran Book of Worship or #631 in the new red Evangelical Lutheran Worship. Or sing another favorite hymn or song that exemplifies love.
     
  • Take the Food Stamp Challenge. See if you live on just $21 a week. Keep health and safety in mind. Information is available on NPR at www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9775888 (“Oregon Issues 'Food Stamp' Challenge”) or by searching “Oregon Food Stamp Challenge.”
     
  • Explore ELCA World Hunger resources and participate in a program or advocacy. http://www.elca.org/hunger/

 

  Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, in the midst of betrayal and denial, you exemplified hope and love. Bless us with a genuine love for one another and guide us with the Holy Spirit to produce acts of love that reflect your living presence in the world today. Amen
 

Contributed by Matthew R. Nelson
Walla Walla, WA
 

Permission to reproduce for local use. Copyright © 2007 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. ELCA Youth Ministries. 1-800-638-3522, ext. 2447. To offer your comments or responses to Faith Lens, e-mail:  rod.boriack@elca.org.

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