Representatives from the Campaign for Fair Food of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers came to speak at Lakewood UCC several Sundays ago. As usual, their testimony is so compelling. We were told about the conditions in the fields by a worker who knows the situation first hand. We were told about the labor issues involved. We heard of the farmworkers’ request to be paid one penny more per pound of tomatoes. When the store raises the price one penny, we don’t even notice. So what’s the problem with raising this wage? And we were told of the efforts to encourage Publix, the grocery store chain, to become part of the Campaign for Fair Food. Why Publix? Because with a large market share, their participation could stimulate other grocery stores to come on board.
What impressed me again about the presentation was the conviction of those involved. They are committed to God’s justice first and foremost; over their jobs, their image, their immigration status, and even their lives. They are willing to do anything for God’s justice. They are fully committed in their discipleship.
Another thing that impressed me again is how they work from the presumption that eventually justice will prevail. They don’t talk about “if” this happens, they talk about “when” this happens. They assume that right will win out. Publix and other hold outs will eventually be drawn into the Campaign for Fair Food because it is right. They are convinced that it will happen, and they are constantly keeping the door open and beckoning Publix to come to the party!
Another thing that impressed me again about the Campaign for Fair Food Campaign is that the workers talk about the Publix people as colleagues that just haven’t joined the team yet. They do not talk about Publix as an adversary, but as an ally, not yet come into the fold.
The farmworkers have complete trust in the steadfast love of God and in the justice of God. In Psalm 107 we are told:
God turns a desert into pools of water,
a parched land into springs of water.
And there God lets the hungry live,
and they establish a town to live in;
they sow fields, and plant vineyards,
and get a fruitful yield.
But God’s blessing they multiply greatly,
and God does not let their cattle decrease.
Those committed to the Campaign for Fair Food trust those promises, as do thousands of groups working for justice around the world. They know God’s intention for justice and God’s love and care for those who are victims of oppression, and they believe God’s dreams will ultimately come true. This is what inspires movements for justice and equality.
This may be a good time to reflect on how we are living our lives in ways that witness to our commitment to and trust in God’s justice, especially in terms of rights, opportunity, and access to those who are made poor by the current economic systems that are in place. How do our choices, behaviors, and actions show that we expect God to lift up those made poor? And that we know it is our job as Christians to help?
Prayer
The Bible tells us again and again of God’s concern for the poor. We know that God desires not just charity for those made poor, but justice for all people. May we invest ourselves in God’s transforming activity in the world, seeking to eradicate poverty from the face of the earth. May others see in us our commitment to a world in which all people flourish and thrive, and no one lives at the expense of another. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 