Call To Be Holy

Fr. Raymond Lafontaine, E.V. - February 23, 2019

 

 (God said) “If you live according to my laws, if you keep my commandments and put them into practice, I shall give you the rain you need at the right time; the soil will yield its produce and the trees of the countryside their fruit; you will thresh until vintage time and gather grapes until sawing time. You will eat your fill of bread and live secure in your land.” Lev. 26: 3-6

Today is the ongoing attempt to make our church and our homes Green Communities. We will focus on the positive effects of buying organic products. Food from organic farms is loaded with nutrients such as vitamins, enzymes, minerals and other micro nutrients. Organic farming uses non artificial fertilizers and no pesticides. Organic farms are managed using sustainable practices. Organic farming stays away from GMOs (genetically modified food). Statistics show that GMOs are contaminating natural food sources at a rapid pace, manifesting grave effects beyond our comprehension. Organic farming gives us an alternative from consuming poultry, meat, eggs, fish and dairy products that contain high quantities of chemicals, antibiotics, drugs and hormones. Organic farming helps protect creation.

One way for us to support this movement is to buy Fair Trade products. Most Fair Trade products are organic and carry the organic label. They may be a little more costly but the workers are paid a fair wage.

Let us also recall a text from Deut 24:14: You must not exploit poor and needy wage-earners; be they your brothers or sisters or foreigners residing in your community. Also let us take note of Jesus’ words “The labourers deserve their wages”. Luke 10:7

What can we do as a church and a community to make an impact:

  • Use Fair Trade coffee, tea and sugar at all church events.
  • Buy Fair Trade palms for Palm Sunday.
  • Buy Fair Trade wine for the Eucharist
  • What can we do in our personal lives:
  • Buy local organic products at the markets in summer
  • Look for the organic food section at the supermarket
  • Buy Fair Trade gifts such as chocolate, olive oil and crafts that can be purchased at 10,000 Villages.

Every little gesture counts!