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Readings:
1 Kings 19:16. 19-21
Ps 15:2.5.7-11
Gal 5: 13-18
Luke 9:51-62
Jesus is the supreme model for human existence and, as always, we look to His example this Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday to guide our way forward in the struggle for Indigenous rights. To stand in solidarity with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters is both an obligation in justice and a privilege in faith.
Jesus, we are told in today's Gospel, "resolutely" took the road for Jerusalem. He needed courage to walk this path, as He knew such a journey meant for Him suffering and sacrifice. However, He also knew that ultimately, this was the way to life.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people have suffered grievously in the history of white settlement in this country. Their way to a just and peaceful life has been a sorrowful one. And yet, there have been signs of hope, of change, of new beginnings - each the result of struggle and sacrifice.
Notable moments along the way to national reconciliation include the 1967 Referendum, the equal wages for equal work campaign, the Mabo case result, the Wik finding, the tent embassy in Canberra, the work of the National Council for Reconciliation, and the walks over the bridges which were held so successfully in many different places.
St Paul in his letter to the Galations (5:1. 13-18) reminds us that "Christ freed us (and) He meant us to remain free". "Stand firm", St Paul demands, "and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery".
The challenge before us all is to restore right relationships, remove prejudice, and restore equality and freedom as won for us by Christ.
"Love your neighbour as yourself" is a haunting and demanding Commandment. The way to national reconciliation should be driven by a disciple's love and never by self-indulgence. Further, our work of achieving justice must be guided by the Spirit by whose grace we are empowered and encouraged.
This Sunday, set aside to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, is a moment to remember injustices and past achievements, to consider strategies for the future and to recommit ourselves in the Spirit to the love and service of each other in Christ.
Djarindjin-Lombadina School students on the beach at Lombadina
Photo supplied by the Diocese of Broome
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