Though we did not speak specifically about it, food was a theme of our Palm Sunday gathering and action.
First we brought a plethora of food to share. It is not surprising that eating together is mentioned so often in Scriptures, for the experience creates a bond amongst people, like singing and praying together. We did all three.
From the table we moved to the street. Food was again a bond between us, but this time it was to call for fair working conditions for those who clean our grocery stores. No matter who we are, what our work is, and where we live, we are all grocery shoppers. We stood on a corner of Snelling Avenue, in sight of a Cub grocery store, to let others know that we want those who work in the stores to be treated with the same dignity as customers.
The wind buffeted us while the sun blessed us. Some of the faces in our circle were familiar, some new to me. We ranged in ages from four months to ninety years. I feel I can say that we all believe that no matter who we are, what our work is, and where we live, all people are children of God and deserve dignity. As we prayed and sang, an eagle soared above us, circling a few times.
We took turns holding up palms and colorful signs for passers-by to read. These explained that CTUL workers are asking to meet with Cub managers, that we are customers who care about the cleaners, that the best value comes when people are valued. Many people in cars passed us. Some drivers stopped to receive information. Others stared straight ahead as if they had not noticed the group of people standing ten feet away from them. A fair number honked their horns in encouragement. In any case, our presence resulted in a lot more people becoming aware of this issue.
With the sun still shining, and the wind still pushing and tugging at the signs clutched in our hands, we headed back to our cars, knowing we had done what was right.
