Week 1 of Lent Week Beginning Monday 6th March 2017 "I assure you, as often as you did it for one of my least brothers, you did it for me." (Matthew 25:40)

Week 1 of Lent Monday 6th March 2017 A moments reflection… Right now, millions of hardworking farmers in developing countries aren’t paid enough to support their families. Yet every day, they provide food we eat and products we depend on. Their children often go hungry and can’t go to school. Some are forced to work. They have no choice. Communities are trapped in poverty, unable to pay for wells and water pumps. They drink dirty water and can’t afford to visit the doctor when they become sick Watch the video clip from Fairtrade. If exploitation left a mark on your food, would you still buy it? http://fortnight.fairtrade.org.uk/

Let Us Pray… Healer of body and soul, cure the sickness in my spirit so that I may grow in holiness through your constant care. Amen

Week 1 of Lent Week Beginning Tuesday 7th March 2017 "Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. This is how you are to pray: 'Our Father....'" (Matthew 6:8-9)

Week 1 of Lent Tuesday 7th March 2017 A moments reflection Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers. It’s about supporting the development of thriving farming and worker communities that have more control over their futures and protecting the environment in which they live and work. And it’s your opportunity to connect with the people who grow the produce that we all depend on. Why is it important to buy Fairtrade products? Do you buy any Fairtrade products?  

Let Us Pray… God our Saviour, Bring us back to you and fill our minds with your wisdom. May we be enriched by our observance of Lent. Amen

Week 1 of Lent Week Beginning Wednesday 8th March 2017 "For at the preaching of Jonah they reformed, but you have a greater than Jonah here." (Luke 11:32)

Week 1 of Lent Wednesday 8th March 2017 A moments reflection There are over 1.65 million farmers and workers spread across more than 74 countries participating in Fairtrade. Learn more about how choosing Fairtrade products has changed lives. How could you change to make a difference? http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/en/farmers-and-workers

Let Us Pray… O Jesus, humbled to abjection for me, teach me to humble myself for love of You. Amen

Week 1 of Lent Week Beginning Thursday 9th March 2017 "Ask, and you will receive. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7)

Week 1 of Lent Thursday 9th March 2017 FACT 1 IN 10 CHILDREN IN THE TEA GROWING REGIONS OF MALAWI DIE BEFORE THEIR 5TH BIRTHDAY A moments reflection When we reach for our favourite food and drink each day without thinking about where it comes from, we may be feeding exploitation. We become part of the problem. But we can choose to be part of the solution. By choosing Fairtrade products, we’re saying that no one deserves to be short-changed for a hard day’s work. And that it’s wrong to benefit from farmers being paid unfairly. We have the power to make that choice.

Let Us Pray… Lord, look upon us and hear our prayer. By the good works You inspire, help us to discipline our bodies and to be renewed in spirit. Amen.

Week 1 of Lent Week Beginning Friday 10th March 2017 "Unless your holiness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees you shall not enter the kingdom of God." (Matthew 5:20)

Week 1 of Lent Friday 10th March 2017 A moments reflection….take a few minutes to think about the words below. Fast from judging others; Feast on Christ dwelling in them. Fast from apparent darkness; Feast on the reality of light. Fast from pessimism; Feast on optimism. Fast from thoughts of illness; Feast on the healing power of God. Fast from words that pollute; Feast on phrases that purify. Fast from anger; Feast on patience. Fast from worry; Feast on Divine Providence. Fast from unrelenting pressure; Feast on unceasing prayer. Fast from negatives; Feast on positives. Fast from complaining; Feast on appreciation. Fast from hostility; Feast on non-resistance. Fast from bitterness; Feast on forgiveness. Fast from anxiety; Feast on hope. Fast from yourself; Feast on a silent heart

Let Us Pray… I enter on this path of repentance so that in dying to self I might rise to new life. Amen