Economic Justice and Traditional Hindu and Christian Blessings

God sleeps in stones, breathes in plants, dreams in animals, and awakens in human beings.   Hindu Saying

Rev. Sylvia Miller-Mutia, Swami Omkara, Rev. Deborah Hill

We chose three themes to highlight the World Food Day commemoration in Albuquerque on Sunday afternoon, October 16, 2016.  We observed the occasion with songs, a shared meal and prayers.

Two faith communities prepared prayers around each of the themes of economic justice (Hindu-Protestant), immigration and refugees (Baha'i-Buddhist), and climate change (Roman Catholic-Muslim). The actual prayers do not necessarily have a direct connection with the theme, which is presented at the beginning of each set of reflections. Here is the economic justice prayer prepared by Joan Brown, OSF, and led by Rev. Sylvia Miller-Mutia, followed by the first of the three reflections.

Reflection and Prayer upon food/hunger and economic justice

Leader: Our spiritual traditions call us to measure economy through the lens of justice for the dignity of human life and workers considering economic equity and fairness. Economic decisions have moral impacts upon all in the family of life and upon our Sacred Earth community. May we have the courage to uncover and face economic injustice and work for equity and fairness.

All Open our eyes, ears, and hands to act in love and justice as we walk in solidarity with those who are hungry and those who hunger for justice.

Hindu Food  Prayer
Rev. Swami Omkara,
Independent Swami and Director of Trinity House Catholic Worker

Brahmarpanam Brahma Havir
Brahmagnau Brahmanaahutam
Brahmaiva Tena Ghantavyam
Brahmakarma Samadhina

Translation:
The act of offering is God, the oblation is God 
By God it is offered into the Fire of God 
God is That which is to be attained by him 
who performs action pertaining to God

Om shanti, shanti, shanti--Peace, peace, peace



Christian Prayer:
Rev. Deborah Hill, 
Associate Clergy, Grant Chapel AME Church
God is Great, God is Good; 
Let us thank God for our food. 
By God’s hands we all are fed, 
Give us Lord Our Daily Bread. Amen